Back pain can range from irritating to debilitating, but it can interfere with daily life no matter what. If you're experiencing any type of back discomfort, it's helpful to understand where and why the pain is occurring so that you can seek treatment from someone who specializes in orthopedics. Here's a look at the most common types of back issues.

What Back Pain Is Most Prevalent in Orthopedic Patients?

1. Flexion Dominant

This form of back pain often accompanies a lower back injury or a herniated disc. The symptoms include pain that worsens when sitting, lifting, or standing, pain in the spine and legs, tingling and numbness, and a reduced range of motion. To care for flexion-dominant pain, your orthopedics provider will likely recommend a course of exercises that strengthen the spine and reduce discomfort. 

In addition to stretches, they may recommend using ergonomic chairs for better posture and core muscle strength training to better support your spine. More invasive treatments may be necessary if you have a serious back injury. 

2. Extension Dominant 

This pain frequently happens at the zygapophysial joints, which are commonly called z-joints, within your spine. Symptom-wise, it's common for people to feel pain after standing for long periods of time. Stiffness in the back is typical as well, and symptoms usually flare up after physical activity. Numbness and tingling can accompany this pain, too. 

Unlike flexion-dominant pain, people with extension-dominant issues typically retain their range of motion. To treat this type of discomfort, providers may assign a series of lower back-strengthening exercises. They'll prescribe other exercises to build up the weakened muscles around the spine. 

3. Inflammatory 

As the name implies, this form of pain occurs due to inflammation around the spinal joints. It's frequently misdiagnosed since it can be hard to identify. Symptoms include persistent pain that lasts for at least three months and pain and stiffness that worsens when a person is sedentary and improves with physical activity. 

Treatment typically includes anti-inflammatory medications. An orthopedics professional will also help you identify what triggers the flare-ups so that you can avoid inflammation in the future. 

If you have back pain, turn to Associates in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. This Dalton, GA, clinic works with a network of more than 100 trusted professionals to provide mobility and pain management services. They can help with back pain, foot injuries, knee problems, and a host of other limiting physical conditions, and their state-of-the-art diagnostics and methods allow them to produce effective results. Learn more about the team online or set up an appointment by calling (706) 226-5533.