Back Pain Conditions

Almost everyone experiences episodes of back pain during their lives, but pain resulting from muscle strain generally resolves within a week or so. More serious back discomfort requires treatment. Not all back pain is actually felt in the back. With sciatica, for example, the pain involves the back but is actually felt down one leg, as the sciatic nerve is affected.

The type of back pain also varies, from a dull ache to a shooting or stabbing pain. Some back discomfort comes on gradually, while other forms occur suddenly. Back pain may come and go during the day or never let up. Some back pain improves when the person is sitting or lying down and worsens when walking or standing.

A healthy spine or vertebral column provides support for the body and protection for the spinal cord. It also allows you to move freely because of the three natural curves of the spine which keep your body balanced. Strong, flexible muscles and ligaments support the spine and keep the curves in normal alignment. Spine problems often start because of poor posture and/or sedentary lifestyle. Moving incorrectly also puts extra stress on the spine and discs.

Spine Conditions That Lead to Back Pain

A healthy spine or vertebral column provides support for the body and protection for the spinal cord. It also allows you to move freely because of the three natural curves of the spine, which keep your body balanced. Strong, flexible muscles and ligaments support the spine and keep the curves in normal alignment. Spine pain often involves poor posture and/or a sedentary lifestyle. Moving incorrectly also puts extra stress on the spine and discs.

The bones, or vertebrae, are stacked one on top of each other. Soft, cushioning discs, which act as shock absorbers, are located between each vertebrae, allowing the spine to bend and move. The discs are made of a tough outer lining called the annulus and a jelly-like center called the nucleus. The movement of fluid within the nucleus allows your vertebrae to rock back and forth on your discs, giving you the flexibility to bend and move. The shape, size, and flexibility of your discs change throughout the day.

When the normal curvature of the spine is changed, there may be excess stress on structures, such as the bones, ligaments, and discs. Disc degeneration occurs because of a gradual and progressive loss of water content in the nucleus of the disc. The result is a loss of elasticity, the disc becomes narrow, and the vertebrae shift closer together, causing compression to the nerve. Worn-out or injured discs can lead to a variety of other spine and disc problems. The most common problems happen when discs tear, bulge, or extrude, losing their ability to cushion and absorb shock. The rest of the spine may degenerate, leading to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.

Common Causes of Back Pain

While anyone may develop back pain, certain people are at greater risk for more serious back issues. These risk factors include:

Aging – the wear and tear of osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of back pain.
Excess weight – additional weight increases pressure on the joints.
Heredity – a family history of back pain increases the genetic odds.
Occupation – jobs that require lifting or repetitive motions increase the risk of back pain development.
Smoking –increased inflammation from smoking can aggravate back pain.

Acute or sudden back pain may result after lifting a heavy item or taking a bad step. Chronic back pain may result from osteoarthritis, which often affects older individuals. Other reasons backs hurt may include:

Back Pain Diagnosis

To determine the causes of back pain, the doctor conducts a thorough physical examination and takes a complete medical history. Blood tests should indicate whether an infection is present. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may order various imaging tests, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

Many patients will recover with conservative treatment, such as exercise, ice and heat application, and the use of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. The doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or stronger pain medication if warranted. Some patients may benefit from steroid injections for long-term pain control. If excess weight is a factor, the doctor may recommend a diet and exercise plan for the patient.

Depending on test results, some patients may require surgery to relieve their back pain issues.

Spine Conditions Treated

When to See a Doctor for Back Pain

Most back pain improves within a few weeks. If conservative treatments fail to relieve back pain after that period, it is wise to consult a doctor. If your back pain is severe, or it occurred after any sort of trauma, you should make an appointment with a doctor.

If you are experiencing back pain, contact us at Hoag Orthopedic Institute today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
You can connect with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.

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