Causes |
How Your Back Works And Why It Hurts
Your spinal column—or vertebrae—is comprised of 33 bones that support your entire body. 
Aside from protecting your spinal cord, it allows you to stand and sit upright as well as walk, bend, and twist. The bones in your vertebrae sit one on top of another, and are surrounded by supporting ligaments and muscles. They are separated by discs that act as shock absorbers between the bones to keep the vertebrae flexible.
The spinal cord—a long, thin structure that is made of nervous tissue—passes through the vertebrae, connecting the brain to the rest of the body. It joins the brain at the base of the skull and houses a system of nerves that pass through the spaces between the bones of the spine.
There are several factors that cause back pain, such as poor posture, a lack of exercise, or muscle strains or sprains. As you age, the structures that hold the spine together start to lose their flexibility and integrity causing back back and other underlying issues.
Serious Causes Of Back Pain And Treatment Options—The Best Care In Houston
Sciatica is a leading cause of back and spine pain. The bulging or herniated disc pinches or compressing a nerve causing back pain that extends to your legs. You may also feel numbness and tingling with sciatica.
As the back or spinal pain pain progresses, you know how difficult it can be to carry out daily activities including going to work or playing with your children.
After a thorough screening which may include CT scans, MRIs, or X-rays, you may be able to relive your sciatica pain through physiotherapy or other non-invasive treatments. In many cases, the pain diminishes within four to six months without surgery. However, if the pain persists and becomes intolerable, your may need consider surgery, as your best option to relieve the pressure and pain on your spine.
At Houston Neurosurgery & Spine, we understands how debilitating pain caused by sciatica can be. That’s why you’ll find a range of non-operative and minimally-invasive surgical solutions in Houston for treating back pain, lower back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, sciatica and bulging discs in the lower back.
Schedule a appointment to see world-renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. G. Alexander West, for a thorough assessment of your condition.
For expert medical care, visit our clinic in Houston, Texas.