Back Pain

Back pain is a common sports injury affecting competitive athletes and weekend warriors alike. At Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ, with offices in Summit and Montclair, New Jersey, sports medicine specialists Melissa Mascaro, MD, Joelle Stabile Rehberg, DO, and Christina Hector, DO, provide diagnosis and treatment for back pain that persists for more than a few days and fails to resolve with at-home treatment. Call today or use the online tool to book an appointment and have your back pain evaluated.

When should I be concerned about back pain?

Back pain is discomfort, stiffness, or inflammation that affects any part of your spine. Back pain often resolves after a few days of rest and hot and cold therapy, but if you have back pain that persists for more than one week or prevents you from doing the activities you love, you should seek evaluation. 

Other signs that you should visit a specialist like those at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ to have your back pain evaluated include:

• Progressive worsening of back pain
• Pain that radiates to your legs or causes weakness
• Pain that affects balance or walking
• Pain doesn’t improve with rest

Early diagnosis and treatment of back pain can reduce the risk of complications and get you back into your sport more quickly. 

What causes back pain?

Back pain can result from a strain or sprain of muscles. This can occur during a fall, a twisting movement, a tackle, or carrying something heavy. Other causes include:

• Aging
• Bulging or ruptured discs
• Arthritis
• Poor posture
• Fracture 

To diagnose the specific cause of your back pain, your specialist feels your back and neck to find the source of the pain. They’ll review your medical history and possibly order imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI. Imaging tests can reveal damage to vertebrae or issues with the soft tissue.

How do you treat back pain?

Treatment for back pain depends on the underlying cause, your age, and the severity of your symptoms. Your specialist may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

• Activity modifications
• Bracing
• Osteopathic manipulations
• Injections
• Medications
• Ultrasound
• Physical therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma injections

The team at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ is up-to-date on the latest nonoperative solutions for back pain and customizes treatment for you. Their care can get you back to normal function quickly and effectively and help you prevent future back pain episodes.

If you’re having problems with back pain, call Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ today or use this website to book an appointment.