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Back Pain

Lake Grove Family Medical Clinic Our Services Back Pain
Lake Grove Family Medical Clinic - - Family Medicine

Lake Grove Family Medical Clinic

Family Medicine & Primary Care Physicians located in Lake Oswego, OR

If you have back pain, you aren’t alone. About 80% of all men and women experience lower back pain at some time in their life. Dr. Selby, at Lake Grove Family Medical Clinic understands what it’s like to live with daily pain and offer the whole-body approach to back pain relief and management. Call the Lake Oswego, Oregon, office or schedule an appointment online today.

Back Pain Q & A

What are the symptoms?

Back pain symptoms vary in intensity for everybody. Also, symptoms may come and go, become triggered by certain physical activities, or affect only one area of the back. Signs of back pain can include:

  • Sharp or stabbing pain
  • Dull or throbbing muscle ache
  • A feeling of pulling or tightness
  • Pain decreases with reclining
  • Pain strengthens with bending, lifting, standing or walking
  • Pulsing pain down your leg

What are the causes of back pain?

Acute back pain occurs when you're injured due to a fall or heavy lifting. Severe injuries come on suddenly and end within six weeks. 

If your back pain lasts longer than three months, then it might be chronic. The reasons for chronic back pain range from degenerative disc disease to nerve damage and serious injuries. Situations typically connected to chronic back pain include:

  • Ligament or muscle strain
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Bulging or ruptured disks
  • Skeletal irregularities 

When should I see a doctor for back pain? 

Although some back pain instances can disappear within a few weeks, chronic pain may indicate a serious injury or the need for long-term care. 

If you're experiencing extreme pain or the pain doesn't go away within a short period, contact the back specialists at Lake Grove Family Medical Clinic. 

What are the causes of back pain? 

Back pain affects everyone at all ages, but there are some risk factors to keep in mind: 

  • Age: Increased risk for men and women in their 30s and older
  • Lack of exercise: Inactivity causes weak muscles, putting a strain on your back
  • Obesity: Being overweight puts strain on your back
  • Incorrect lifting: Using your back when lifting
  • Smoking: Reduces blood flow to your back
  • Mental conditions: people with depression and anxiety

How is back pain treated? 

Back pain is a complex condition, and most acute conditions become better on their own. For chronic conditions, seeing a trained Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) who provides osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT) is an excellent option. 

OMT uses pressure and manipulation to gently ease strained muscles and joints in all areas of the body, including the back, neck, and elbows. 

All DOs learn hands-on techniques to ease pain in medical school. Research shows that men and women with back pain who receive OMT require fewer pain pills and days off work compared to those who used other treatments. 

If you're living with daily back pain and want relief, call or schedule an appointment online with the Lake Grove Family Medical Clinic today. 

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