Neurosurgeon Dennis Cramer, DO, shares insight on causes, risk factors and treatment options
Back pain - who hasn’t experienced it at some point in their life? It is one of the most common health problems among adults in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Anyone can get back pain, but it becomes more prevalent as you age, if you are out of shape, if you are overweight, if you have a family history of back pain, or if you have a job that puts stress on your spine. Neurosurgeon Dennis Cramer, DO, who specializes in conditions of the neck and lower back, shares helpful insights on dealing with this very common ailment.
Q: What are some common causes of back pain?
A: Back pain can happen for lots of different reasons. Sometimes it’s caused by injuries, like falling or lifting something the wrong way. Other times, it can come from problems with the spine, like a slipped or ruptured disk. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis (which is when the space around the spinal cord gets smaller) can also lead to back pain. As people get older, their backs can naturally start to hurt more. Not moving around enough, being overweight, or using poor posture when bending, lifting, or sitting can also cause back pain.
Q: Are there risk factors for developing back pain?
A: Yes, some things can make it more likely that you’ll get back pain. For example, having a job that involves heavy lifting or sitting for long periods with poor posture can put extra strain on your back. Lack of exercise or carrying extra weight can also increase your risk. Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help lower your chances of having back pain. But some causes, like ankylosing spondylitis—a type of arthritis that can make the bones in your spine fuse together—are genetic, which means they run in families and aren’t as easy to prevent.
Q: What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
A: Acute pain usually starts suddenly and doesn’t last very long—typically up to six weeks. It’s often caused by something specific, like a fall, sports injury, or lifting something the wrong way. Acute pain is the most common type of back pain and often improves with rest, treatment, or physical therapy.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, lasts longer than three months and may not be linked to a clear cause or injury. It can feel different from person to person—it might be a dull ache, sharp pain, tingling, or burning. Because it often develops slowly and lasts a long time, chronic pain can be harder to treat and may need long-term care or lifestyle changes to manage.
Q: How is back pain treated?
A: Treatment for back pain depends on what’s causing it and how serious it is. In most cases, doctors start with conservative and non-invasive treatments. These may include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or massage to help reduce pain and improve movement.
If these methods don’t work, doctors may explore other options, such as nerve blocks to reduce pain signals, minimally invasive surgery, or even artificial disk replacement for more severe spine problems. The goal is always to find the least risky and most effective treatment for each patient.
Q: At what point should you see a doctor for your back pain?
A: You should see a doctor if your back pain is severe, doesn’t improve after a few days, or if it comes with other symptoms. These may include numbness or tingling, fever, difficulty urinating, muscle weakness, or unexplained weight loss. These signs could mean there’s a more serious issue that needs medical attention. It’s always a good idea to get checked out if the pain is affecting your daily life or getting worse over time.