Back pain is extremely common, especially in today’s technology-driven and sedentary world. Long hours spent sitting, poor posture, repetitive strain, and limited physical activity contribute to increasing rates of spinal discomfort. In fact, low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Millions of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
If you live in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and are struggling with persistent back pain, the board-certified specialists at Texas Spine Associates are here to help. Our spine surgeons are members of the North American Spine Society and have extensive training in accurately diagnosing and treating conditions of the back and spine.
Common Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain can present in different ways — depending on the underlying cause, severity, and duration of symptoms. Many patients report:
- Low back pain that radiates into the buttocks or legs
- Pain triggered by certain movements, positions, or prolonged sitting/standing
- Muscle stiffness or spasms in the back
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Pain that persists for months or tends to flare up intermittently
- Discomfort that is worse in the morning or after activity
How Back Pain Is Diagnosed
Because the spine is complex, pinpointing the exact source of pain requires a careful evaluation. At Texas Spine Associates, our first step is always a detailed conversation with each patient — reviewing medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any prior treatments.
A physical exam of the spine guides our next steps. If needed, advanced imaging such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or bone scan may be used to confirm what’s causing the pain.
Personalized Treatment Options
Our team – Dr. Neil Shah, Dr. Vishal Patel, and Dr. Christopher Happ – uses a multidisciplinary approach to care. We work closely with neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and radiologists to create customized treatment plans based on the individual needs of each patient.
Most patients improve with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication management, posture correction, core strengthening, and activity modification. Surgery may be considered in select cases when symptoms do not improve or when nerve compression becomes severe.
When Back Pain Is an Emergency
While most back pain is not dangerous, certain symptoms may indicate a serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical care if there is:
- Progressive weakness in the legs
- Loss of coordination or sensation
- Sudden weight loss, fever, chills, nausea, or loss of appetite
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
These signs may indicate nerve damage, infection, tumor, or severe spinal cord compression — and should not be ignored.
Schedule a Back Pain Consultation
You don’t have to live with back pain. If you’re in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and need expert evaluation or treatment, contact Texas Spine Associates today. We provide top-level spine care at convenient locations in Arlington, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Granbury, Irving, Southlake, and Weatherford.