Identifying cause of back pain is key to effective treatment plan

Patients suffering from new or acute back pain often worry that they have a complicated condition. While sudden back pain is cause for concern, patients shouldn’t assume their condition will require expensive tests to diagnose or be difficult to treat, according to Jennifer Caudle, DO, an assistant professor of family medicine at the Rowan University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey.

“Pain impacts a patient’s mind and spirit, as well as their body,” Dr. Caudle says. “When we can’t eliminate all the pain, it’s important to help patients maintain function and quality of life by partnering with them to find the best solutions for their situation.”

Frontline treatment for back pain

For many patients, back pain can be traced to a single overuse incident. Triggers frequently include:

• A new or more intense workout.
• Lifting a heavy object.

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• Simply sitting for longer than normal, which can strain muscles and compress vertebrae.

“The severity of pain is not always related to the seriousness of the injury,” Dr. Caudle says. “The key to effective treatment lies in accurate identification of the cause of the back pain.”

Dr. Caudle urges her patients to start with over-the-counter medication and home treatment for relief while waiting for an evaluation from their doctor. Non-specific low back pain caused by overuse injuries also can be treated with exercise and ice.

For patients seeking drug-free pain relief for low back pain, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), could be the answer.

“Clinical studies have shown OMT to be an effective alternative or complement to medication and other therapies,” says Dr. Caudle.