Back Pain Specialist
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Kenneth J Eaddy, MD
Board Certified in Interventional Pain Management & Internal Medicine located in Jacksonville, FL
Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting about 8 in 10 adults. Even so, without intervention and treatment, back pain can keep you from exercising, spending time with friends, or other activities you love. At his self-titled practice, double board-certified interventional pain management physician Kenneth J Eaddy, MD, provides a variety of treatments for back pain. To make an appointment, call the office in Jacksonville, Florida, or click the online booking feature today.
Back Pain Q & A
What is back pain?
Back pain is any stiffness, aching, or discomfort that affects your spine. Often, back pain occurs due to general wear-and-tear, but it can also point to underlying medical issues, like fractures or tumors.
Back pain responds to at-home treatments like rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication in most cases. Contact Dr. Eaddy right away if you experience back pain that doesn’t improve or the pain interferes with your daily routine.
When does back pain require professional treatment?
Make an appointment with Dr. Eaddy if your back pain:
- Lasts for weeks
- Doesn’t improve with rest
- Spreads into your legs
- Causes weakness, tingling, or a loss of balance
You should also visit Dr. Eaddy if your back pain occurs alongside unexplained weight loss or fever.
What causes back pain?
Back pain occurs for various reasons, including:
- Muscle strains
- Ligament strains
- Bulging or ruptured discs
- Vertebral fractures
- Pinched nerves
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis of the spine
You might also experience back pain related to a sports injury, a car accident, or a structural abnormality, like a curve in your spine.
Who is at risk of experiencing back pain?
Back pain affects all types of people, but several factors may increase your risk, including being overweight, smoking, and living a primarily sedentary lifestyle. You’re also more likely to experience back pain if you work a physically demanding job or lead a physically active lifestyle that puts stress on your back.
How is back pain diagnosed?
To diagnose back pain, Dr. Eaddy reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends to other parts of your body, and if certain activities like work or exercise make it worse.
Next, Dr. Eaddy conducts a physical exam. He observes your gait and posture, checks your reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion, and gently presses on the area of your back that’s causing you pain. Afterward, he orders X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to get a closer look at your vertebrae, vertebral discs, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
After pinpointing the source of your back pain, Dr. Eaddy develops a custom treatment that relieves your symptoms while encouraging mobility.
How is back pain treated?
Treatment of back pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Eaddy usually recommends minimally invasive procedures that provide instant relief. He might recommend:
- Injections (i.e. muscle blocks, nerve blocks, and trigger point injections)
- Spinal cord stimulator
- Intrathecal pain pump
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Pain medication
- At-home stretches and strengthening exercises
If your pain persists or it doesn’t respond to minimally invasive treatments, surgical intervention might be necessary.
To receive complete care for back pain, make an appointment at the practice of Kenneth J Eaddy, MD, by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
