Back Pain

Persistent back pain sends millions of people to the doctor each year. If your back pain is increasing or has become debilitating, you can find personalized pain management solutions at Palm Beach Pain Institute. Board-certified pain management specialist Marcie Merson, MD, takes a patient-centered approach to uncovering the root cause of back pain. Dr. Merson offers nonsurgical treatments like joint injections to reduce inflammation that contributes to chronic back pain, so you can live a pain-free, physically active life. Call the office in Delray Beach, Florida, to schedule a back pain evaluation, or book an appointment online today. 

What causes back pain?

Acute back pain that lasts less than six weeks can be a side effect of overuse of the muscles that support your upper (cervical), middle (thoracic), or lower (lumbar) spine.

When back pain is chronic and lasts for months or even years, it may be the result of spine conditions like:

• Arthritis
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Bone spurs
• Herniated disc
• Compression fractures
• Facet joint syndrome
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis (spinal narrowing)

Falls, auto accidents, and other unexpected events can also cause injuries to the spinal joints, muscles, or discs.

Palm Beach Pain Institute offers comprehensive pain management services for adults and adolescents who experience back pain that limits what they can do physically.

Dr. Merson creates a treatment plan to address the underlying cause of your pain and preserve the health of your spine. She focuses on noninvasive strategies so you can prolong or avoid the need for surgery.

When should I seek pain management care for back pain?

Schedule a consultation at Palm Beach Pain Institute if you have back pain that doesn’t get better with rest and over-the-counter medications. You should also meet with Dr. Merson if your pain worsens further, even with home care.

Additionally, a diagnostic evaluation is important if you experience issues like:

• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Thoracic pain
• Shocking or jolting lower back pain
• Limited range of motion in the spine
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs

Dr. Merson completes a physical exam and may order X-rays or other imaging tests to confirm your diagnosis. She customizes a pain management plan to ease your pain and can recommend treatments to address the root cause of your symptoms.

How is back pain treated?

Palm Beach Pain Institute offers a range of nonsurgical treatments for back pain. Dr. Merson might use a combination of therapies, including:

• Heat therapy
• Ice therapy
• Pain relievers
• Muscle relaxers
• Facet joint injections

You may need to modify your usual activities to give your spinal structures a chance to rest. Dr. Merson can also refer you to a physical therapist who can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your spine.

If you have damage to the joints or discs in your lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine, Dr. Merson discusses your options for surgery. 

Call Palm Beach Pain Institute to schedule a back pain consultation, or request an appointment online today.