Back Pain

Everyone suffers from back pain occasionally. But if your symptoms continue or affect your mobility, seek treatment immediately. At the Mint Medical Center in Oakland, California, anti-aging and pain management specialist's Dr. Muhammad Mansour, MS, ND, Angela Lin, NP, and the team use integrative and regenerative therapies to treat back pain and prevent it from getting worse. Call the office to receive treatment for back pain today, or book your appointment online.

What is back pain?

Back pain is aching or discomfort that affects any part of your spine.

Your vertebrae, vertebral discs, and surrounding tissues are tough. But general wear-and-tear and the natural aging process cause degenerative changes that increase the risk of inflammation and mobility problems.

If you have back pain and it doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medication, contact the Mint Medical Center.

What causes back pain?

Back pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Trauma from accidents, falls, or other injuries
• Muscle or ligament strain

You might also have back pain caused by poor posture or an awkward sleep position.

When should I see a specialist for back pain?

Make an appointment with the Mint Medical Center team if you have back pain that doesn’t improve with rest. That’s especially true if the pain lasts more than a few weeks or occurs alongside unexplained weight loss.

How is back pain diagnosed?

Your Mint Medical Center provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. They need to know when the pain started, where it occurs, and if it’s worse when you stand or walk.

Next, your provider assesses your ability to sit, stand, and lift your legs. They examine your upper and lower back for redness, bruising, or swelling and gently press on your skin to identify sensitive areas.

Your provider then orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These tools can identify underlying problems, like arthritis, herniated discs, or problems with your muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

How is back pain treated?

The Mint Medical Center team treats back pain using an integrative and regenerative approach. Instead of relying on surgery, they prescribe minimally invasive care. Your provider might suggest:

• Ultrasound-guided injections
• IV (intravenous) therapy
• Peptide therapy
• Cellular therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Physical therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Shockwave therapy or extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT)
• Chiropractic care
• Massage
• Spinal disc decompression
• Ketamine therapy

You might also benefit from healthy lifestyle changes, like losing weight and exercising regularly.

Can back pain be prevented?

You can’t prevent back pain entirely, but things can be done to reduce your risk. The Mint Medical Center recommends quitting smoking, strengthening your abdominal and back muscles, and practicing good posture.

Call the Mint Medical Center to explore the various treatment options for back pain, or click the online booking feature to make an appointment.