Numerous patients suffer from pain and discomfort associated with multiple spinal conditions. Sadly, many of these patients “fall through the cracks” and do not obtain adequate pain relief. Since lower back pain is much more common than upper back pain, most primary care providers are more familiar with conditions that affect the lower part of the spine. Unfortunately, this has led to undertreated pain and discomfort in patients with conditions such as scoliosis and Sheuermann’s Disease who suffer with upper back pain.
Sheuermann’s Disease is a condition that causes curvature of the spine when viewed
from the side. Many patients with Scheuermann’s Disease have a rounded or “hunched” appearance to their upper spine. Unfortunately, many individuals, including health care providers, write this condition off as poor posture. However, patients with this condition have an underlying disease that is not caused by poor posture but is a result of abnormal growth that causes changes to the vertebras’ shape and position. The pain associated with this disease can be so severe that it significantly interferes with daily living, occupational health, and overall quality of life. For many patients, this condition can be disabling.
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to the left or the right when viewed from the front or the back, often resulting in an asymmetric posture, which causes the ribs and scapula to be abnormally positioned and other parts of the body to be uneven in length. This condition is also associated with pain and other complications that can worsen with age and are sometimes serious.
It is well established that scoliosis and Scheuermann’s Disease are painful conditions, and many patients needlessly suffer. Our provider is very familiar with both conditions, and each patient is assessed for disease severity, enabling us to craft the most appropriate treatment plans. This practice increases the odds of patients obtaining relief and improving their overall quality of life.
Lower back pain is much more common and affects most individuals at some point in their lives. Most cases of lower back pain are temporary, and many patients make a full recovery. However, the exact cause cannot always be identified. Common conditions that cause long-term lower back pain include spinal stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis. Treatment for these conditions varies based on patient preference and the severity of the disease.
Unfortunately, some serious conditions that cause long-term lower back pain often go undiagnosed. One of these diseases is called Ankylosing Spondylitis, a rheumatological condition that causes inflammation in parts of the spine, joints, and organs. It is known to cause severe lower back pain and stiffness, which is often worse at night, and many of these patients suffer from fatigue.
We believe it is important to take the time to listen to patients who struggle with long-term back pain. If the source of the pain has been accurately identified (diagnosed) and is not severe, it can generally be managed in a primary care setting. This management commonly involves a combination of medicinal treatment, physical therapy, and holistic modalities. For more complex and severe conditions, particularly for those who need further work-up, we partner with a team of specialists to find the best plan of care.
