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Chronic Low Back Pain Treatment in Troy, MI: When Is It Time to See a Pain Management Specialist?

Is Your Low Back Pain Not Going Away?

Nearly everyone experiences back pain at some point. A strained muscle after lifting something heavy or soreness after a long day may improve with time and conservative care.

But when low back pain lasts for weeks or months, repeatedly returns, or begins interfering with everyday activities, there may be an underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

At Glowacki MD in Troy, Michigan, Dr. Martin Glowacki specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic pain using an individualized interventional pain management approach.

What Causes Chronic Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is not a single condition. Pain can originate from several structures within and around the spine, including the discs, joints, nerves, and muscles.

Common causes of chronic low back pain may include:

In some patients, more than one condition may contribute to their symptoms. Because different conditions can produce similar symptoms, identifying the source of the pain is an important part of determining which treatment may be most appropriate.

When Does Back Pain Become Chronic?

Back pain is generally considered chronic when it continues for approximately three months or longer. However, you do not necessarily need to wait three months before seeking medical attention.

Pain that is severe, continues to worsen, repeatedly returns, radiates into the legs, or significantly limits normal activities may warrant an evaluation sooner.

Patients should seek prompt medical attention for back pain accompanied by concerning symptoms such as new bowel or bladder problems, significant weakness, or numbness around the groin or saddle area.

What Does It Mean When Back Pain Travels Down Your Leg?

Pain that begins in the lower back and travels into the buttock or leg can indicate irritation of a spinal nerve. Depending on the affected nerve, symptoms may include:

  • Shooting or electric-like pain
  • Burning
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Leg or foot discomfort
  • Muscle weakness

Sciatica is one of the most familiar examples of radiating nerve pain. A pain management evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are related to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, inflammation, or another condition affecting the nerves.

What Is Interventional Pain Management?

Interventional pain management focuses on diagnosing the source of pain and using targeted treatments to help manage it.

Instead of approaching every patient with the same treatment, an interventional pain specialist evaluates the individual’s symptoms, medical history, imaging studies, previous treatments, and physical examination findings.

Diagnostic procedures may sometimes be used to help determine which structure is generating the pain. Once the source has been identified, an individualized treatment plan can be developed.

How Is Chronic Low Back Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain and the individual patient’s needs. A comprehensive treatment plan may incorporate conservative therapies as well as interventional procedures.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include:

Not every patient requires an injection or advanced procedure. The appropriate treatment depends on the source and severity of the pain as well as the patient’s overall medical history.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

For some patients with chronic pain originating from certain spinal joints, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be considered.

Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled energy to interrupt pain signals from specific nerves.

Diagnostic nerve blocks are typically used to help determine whether the targeted nerves are contributing to the patient’s pain before radiofrequency ablation is considered.

For appropriately selected patients, RFA may provide longer-lasting pain relief than a temporary injection.

What If Other Back Pain Treatments Haven’t Worked?

Living with persistent back pain after trying multiple treatments can be frustrating, but failure of one treatment does not necessarily mean that no other options are available.

An interventional pain management specialist may evaluate whether the original source of pain has been accurately identified and whether other treatment approaches could be appropriate.

At Glowacki MD, the evaluation process includes a complete pain history and focused physical examination as well as a review of pertinent medical records and diagnostic studies. Additional testing or diagnostic injections may be recommended when necessary to help identify the origin of pain.

When Should You See a Pain Management Specialist?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if low back pain:

  • Has continued for several weeks or months
  • Keeps returning despite treatment
  • Interferes with sleep
  • Prevents you from working or exercising normally
  • Makes sitting, standing, or walking difficult
  • Travels into your buttocks or legs
  • Causes numbness or tingling
  • Has not responded adequately to previous treatments
  • Is significantly affecting your quality of life

You do not have to wait until pain becomes unbearable before seeking specialized care.

Low Back Pain Treatment in Troy, Michigan

Dr. Martin Glowacki is board certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology and completed fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management.

At Glowacki MD – Institute for Pain, Spine & Headache Disorders, the goal is to identify the source of pain and develop an individualized treatment plan designed to reduce pain and help patients regain function.

Treatment options may include interventional procedures, medication management, physical therapy, and other approaches based on the patient’s specific condition.

Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Martin Glowacki

If chronic low back pain is keeping you from doing the things you enjoy, consider scheduling an evaluation to determine what may be causing your symptoms and what treatment options may be available.

Glowacki MD – Institute for Pain, Spine & Headache Disorders provides interventional pain management for patients in Troy and throughout the Metro Detroit area.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin Glowacki, call (248) 813-0060.