Back Pain
Browse articles on back pain with tips on prevention, treatment, and managing discomfort. Find practical advice to help ease pain and improve mobility.
L3
The lumbar spine consists of five (occasionally six) vertebrae that support much of the upper body and allow considerable mobility. The third lumbar vertebra (L3) sits centrally within the lower back, making it particularly prone to degeneration and stress. Because of its position and function, L3 is frequently implicated in persistent lower back discomfort. (img by Spine-health) Vertebrae and the intervertebral discs together shield the spinal cord and the nerves…
How to Use a TENS Machine for Lower Back Pain
Although experts differ on how well it works for lower back pain, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is generally regarded as safe and carries a low chance of complications. Below is guidance on where to position TENS electrodes to address this kind of pain. A TENS device is a compact unit that sends electrical pulses through adhesive pads applied to a specific part of your body to help ease pain.…
Everything You Want to Know About Laser Back Surgery
Laser back surgery is a form of spinal operation that differs from other approaches, such as traditional open back surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Read on to understand more about laser back surgery, its possible advantages and disadvantages, and alternative treatment choices. How does laser back surgery differ? There are several surgical approaches to the spine, including the conventional open technique, MISS, and laser-guided procedures. Below we outline…
Finding the Right Doctor for Your Lower Back Pain
If you’re trying to figure out which clinician to visit for lower back pain, you’re in good company. It can be confusing to know where to turn. Providers who may help include orthopedists, chiropractors, and physical therapists, among others. A variety of physicians and allied health professionals can manage lower back pain. You might want to see a doctor if your pain becomes severe or continues beyond 12 weeks. When…
What Are Back Mice and How Are They Treated?
Back mice is an informal phrase used to describe painful nodules located on or near the lower back and hip regions. A 2016 article in Pain Physician characterizes back mice as “firm, rubbery, mobile nodules that are located in characteristic regions of the sacroiliac, posterior superior iliac, and the lumbar paraspinal regions.” (img by ChiroUp) The label “back mice” was first introduced by Peter Curtis in 1993 to describe episacral…
Does Medicare Cover Back Surgery?
Key Takeaways Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally pays for back surgery when a physician determines it is medically necessary. Part A handles inpatient hospital services, while Part B covers physician services during a hospitalization and outpatient care after discharge. Medicare includes many common back operations, such as discectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion, but patients should verify with their provider that the specific procedure is eligible for coverage. Out-of-pocket…
Does Medicare Cover Adjustable Beds?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) will cover adjustable hospital beds if you satisfy certain conditions. A physician must also prescribe the bed and the supplier must be enrolled in Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) generally provides the same basic coverage. (img by Good Housekeeping) The term “adjustable bed” refers to any bed that can change position rather than staying completely flat. These beds let you raise or lower different…
Does Adenomyosis Cause Back Pain?
Adenomyosis can produce back pain, particularly in the lower back. The discomfort often intensifies right before or during menstruation. (img by Bodyform) Adenomyosis happens when the endometrial tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscular layer of the uterine wall. This condition can bring about severe uterine pain, especially during vaginal penetration. Adenomyosis is commonly linked with prolonged, painful, and heavy menstrual bleeding. It may also lead to…
Why Is My Back Constantly Hot and How Do I Treat It?
What are the symptoms of a hot back? Many individuals report back discomfort that feels warm, heated, or even like it’s burning. When your skin hasn’t been recently exposed to sunburn or another obvious injury, the reasons behind this type of pain — whether constant or coming and going — can vary widely. A Burning sensation in middle of back may stem from several underlying conditions, ranging from arthritis to…
Burning Sensation in Upper Back: What Could It Be?
A burning sensation in the back may result from an injury, inflammation, or an underlying medical condition. In some cases, emotional stress can also play a role. Understanding How to relieve burning pain in upper back begins with identifying the root cause, as treatment strategies vary depending on what’s triggering the discomfort. Back pain is among the most common health concerns worldwide and a leading reason people seek medical care…
