Back Pain Pregnancy | Lower Back Pain | Tyler Texas

Back Pain During Pregnancy Overview

Many women in the Tyler, Texas area experience back pain during pregnancy, commonly starting in the second half of pregnancy. Lower back pain is a very common complaint in moms-to-be and is typically caused by weight gain, hormonal changes and a growing uterus. The pain doctors at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler are available to help expecting mothers in the East Texas area who are experiencing back pain that is hindering their daily activities.

Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy

Expecting mothers can blame their lower back pain on hormonal changes, a growing uterus and other fairly common causes. Back pain during pregnancy usually occurs at the sacroiliac joint, where the pelvis meets the spine.

There are several common causes of lower back pain during pregnancy. Some of the most likely causes include:

• Hormone changes- The human body produces a hormone called relaxin during pregnancy. Relaxin is responsible for allowing the ligaments in the pelvic area to relax, as well as the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process. Relaxin is also responsible for causing the ligaments that support the spine to loosen, often causing lower back pain and instability.
• Posture changes- As the baby grows, a woman’s center of gravity shifts. This gradual change causes many pregnant women to adjust their posture and movements without noticing.
• Weight gain- A typical pregnancy causes a woman to gain between 25-35 pounds. The spine has to support this increased weight that occurs in a relatively short amount of time. The weight of the growing baby also puts additional pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the back and pelvis.
• Growing uterus- As the uterus grows during pregnancy, it is also responsible for a shift in the center of gravity. It also stretches out and weakens the abdominal muscles, putting additional strain and pressure on the lower back. Muscle separation associated with a growing uterus is also quite common. Two parallel sheets of muscles (the rectal abdominis muscles), running from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the center seam and cause lower back pain.

Lower Back Pain Treatments for Pregnant Women

It is reported more than 2/3 of women experience back pain during pregnancy, especially lower back pain. The good news is that the pain gradually diminishes in the majority of women following childbirth.

Here are simple ways to eliminate lower back pain during pregnancy:

• Use proper posture when sitting, working and sleeping. Ask your healthcare provider the best ways to sleep, sit for an extended period of time and to perform work-related tasks.
• Perform regular exercise to increase flexibility and strengthen muscles. Exercise not only keeps weight under control, but it also eases stress placed on the spine.
• Heat and cold treatment can be quite effective if utilized correctly. Ask your healthcare provider the most effective ways to use heat and ice compresses.

If a pregnant woman begins to experience severe lower back pain, rhythmic cramping pains or “pins and needles” type of pain, it is very important she contacts her regular healthcare provider or a pain doctor immediately.

For additional resources on lower back pain during pregnancy, please contact the Tyler, Texas pain doctors at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler.

Facet Hypertrophy | Pain Management | Tyler Texas

An Overview of Facet Hypertrophy

Facet hypertrophy is the medical term used to describe an enlargement and degeneration of the facet joints. The facet joints connect the spinal vertebrae and are responsible for providing motion and flexibility to the spine. This back condition is generally found in adults over the age of 30 years. The physicians at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler are available to diagnose and treat facet hypertrophy symptoms with the latest pain management treatment options in Tyler, Texas.

What is Facet Hypertrophy?

Hypertrophy of the facet joints is characterized by an enlargement of one or more facet joints. Most commonly found in adults, the condition is caused by progressive deterioration of the facet joints from a traumatic injury or the natural aging process.

The enlargement of the affected facet joints is usually a result of the body’s own healing abilities. In an attempt to make degenerating joints stronger, the body creates bone tissue on the joints. The extra bone tissue causes unwanted symptoms to occur because the joints become larger and increase pressure on the surrounding spinal structures. In more severe cases of facet hypertrophy, the joint can become so large that it places pressure on the spinal nerves.

What are Facet Hypertrophy Symptoms?

In many cases, facet hypertrophy is found in the lumbar area of the back. Common symptoms include:

• Adjusted posture to avoid pain and pressure
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Loss of mobility
• Overall discomfort when leaning backward
• Hunched back

These symptoms, especially adjusted posture, can cause other spinal conditions to develop. Because of this, it is always best to contact a pain management physician at the onset of symptoms.

Pain Management Options for Facet Hypertrophy

Any individual in the East Texas area experiencing stiffness, pain, loss of mobility and overall back discomfort are encouraged to contact the office of Pain Recovery Center of Tyler. Our pain management physicians are able to diagnose the condition and provide various treatment options.

After a medical review, physical examination and diagnostic testing, a physician will be able to determine if facet hypertrophy is the cause of back pain and discomfort. Treatment options will be discussed in great detail after a diagnosis is reached.

Common treatment options include:

• Over-the-counter medications
• Exercise and physical therapy
• Posture changes
• Osteopathic manipulations
• Pain management injection therapy

To learn more about facet hypertrophy, or to discuss pain management options for this condition, please contact the Tyler, Texas office of Pain Recovery Center of Tyler.

Spinal Stenosis | Lower Back Pain | Pain Physician Tyler Texas

Spinal Stenosis – A Common Cause of Lower Back Pain

Spinal stenosis is a fairly common spine condition that affects numerous East Texas residents each and every year. This common cause of lower back pain can become a chronic condition if not diagnosed and treated by a pain physician in Tyler, Texas. Pain Recovery Center of Tyler is available to assist individuals who are suffering from the numerous symptoms associated with this condition.

An Overview of Spinal Stenosis

In order to fully understand the condition of spinal stenosis, it is important to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spine is composed of a series of connected bones, known as vertebrae, and shock-absorbing discs. The vertebrae and discs are responsible for protecting the spinal cord, a critical part of the central nervous system that connects the brain to the body. The spinal cord is found within the canal that is formed by the vertebrae.

Spinal stenosis is defined by the narrowing of the spaces within the spinal canal, which causes pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.

Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and can lead to a number of unwanted and troublesome symptoms. There are a small percentage of individuals who have no symptoms, but the majority of people affected by spinal stenosis experience lower back pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness. In many cases, the symptoms can worsen over time and lead to a chronic health condition if left untreated.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

Many spinal stenosis cases occur when something happens to narrow the open space within the spine. Common causes include:

• Osteoarthritis that causes bone spurs to develop
• Spinal injuries caused by a car accident or other traumatic event
• Herniated discs
• Thickened ligaments
• Abnormal growths or tumors

How a Pain Physician Diagnoses and Treats Lower Back Pain Associated with Spinal Stenosis

In order to diagnose spinal stenosis as a cause of lower back pain, a pain physician must perform a thorough medical review, physical examination and diagnostic tests. Common diagnostic tests include X-rays, MRIs and CT scans.

Once a diagnosis of spinal stenosis has been reached, a pain management plan will be developed. Treatment options depend on severity of symptoms and exact stenosis location. Common treatment options include:

• Medications
• Physical therapy exercises
• Steroid injections
• Spinal decompression

If conservative, non-surgical measures do not alleviate lower back pain and other associated symptoms, a pain physician may recommend a surgeon for a surgical intervention.

For additional details on lower back pain causes, or to determine if spinal stenosis is the cause of your pain, please contact the leading pain physicians in Tyler, Texas at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler.