Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care and a leading cause of missed workdays. Fortunately, treatment is available at Downtown Pain Management, where Ron Ben-Meir, DO, FAAPMR, provides individualized care for back pain at three locations in Red Bank and Hoboken, New Jersey. If you suffer from back pain, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.
Back pain can range in type and severity from a constant dull ache to sudden, sharp pain. You may notice back pain immediately, like after an accident or when you lift something heavy. Other times, back pain can develop over time.
Low back pain is the most common, but you can also experience discomfort in your mid or upper back.
Most back pain resolves within a few weeks of self-care methods like stretching exercises and over-the-counter pain relievers. If your back pain is severe or persistent, Dr. Ben-Meir can help.
Back pain that begins suddenly is usually the result of a muscle strain or ligament strain. This can occur during heavy lifting, sudden awkward movements, or a sports injury.
Many conditions also cause back pain, including:
Your risk of getting back pain increases with age, but young adults and school-aged children may experience this problem. Other risk factors for back pain include smoking cigarettes, carrying excess weight, and having weak abdominal muscles.
To diagnose your back pain, Dr. Ben-Meir reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam. He asks you to describe your back pain, including when it started and whether anything makes it better or worse.
Depending on what he finds during the exam, Dr. Ben-Meir may take a variety of tests. At Downtown Pain Management, he provides onsite electrodiagnostic testing like electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to measure your nerve function.
He may also take a musculoskeletal ultrasound, which shows soft tissues of your back, or an X-ray to check your bone structure.
After he confirms a diagnosis, Dr. Ben-Meir recommends the most effective approach to relieving your back pain. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
If conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, he may include advanced interventional pain management procedures such as:
For effective and long-lasting back pain relief, call Downtown Pain Management or book an appointment online today.