Back pain is one of the most common conditions people face, and it can significantly interfere with daily life. Whether you’re dealing with pain in your lower or middle back, it’s important to understand the cause and explore treatment options that may offer lasting relief. At Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic, our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of spinal conditions, helping patients across the DMV regain comfort and mobility.

If you’re living with persistent or worsening back pain, call (703) 348-3678 or request an appointment online to meet with a specialist.

Understanding Back Pain

Back pain can affect the lower (lumbar) or middle (thoracic) regions of the spine. While the lower back is more commonly affected due to the stress it bears during movement, the middle back is also susceptible to strain, inflammation, and structural issues.

Pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation, and may worsen with movement or deep breathing. Additional symptoms may include stiffness, reduced range of motion, tingling, numbness, or weakness—especially if nerves are involved.

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually due to repetitive stress, poor posture, or age-related changes in the spine. Common causes include:

• Muscle or ligament strains from overuse, awkward movements, or lifting heavy objects
  
• Osteoarthritis, where cartilage between vertebrae wears down and leads to painful joint movement
  
• Bulging or herniated discs that compress nearby nerves
  
• Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves
  
• Vertebral fractures, often linked to osteoporosis or trauma
  
• Scoliosis or spondylolisthesis, which alter spinal alignment
  
• Referred pain from non-spinal conditions such as hip issues, kidney issues or fibromyalgia
  
• Poor posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods
  

Our providers will perform a thorough evaluation and work to identify the underlying cause of your pain, often using physical examination and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans.

Treatment Options

At Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic, we offer a full range of conservative and surgical treatments tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle. Many patients benefit from non-surgical approaches such as:

• Physical therapy to strengthen back and core muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture
  
• Heat and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and relieve stiffness
  
• Medications such as NSAIDs or muscle relaxants
  
• Activity modification and ergonomic guidance
  
• Injections to relieve inflammation and pain around spinal nerves or inflamed joints
  

When non-surgical methods are not effective, surgical options may be discussed. These may include procedures to stabilize the spine and/or decompress nerves. Your provider will walk you through all available options and help you choose the most effective treatment for your situation.

When to See a Specialist

If your back pain persists for more than a few weeks, worsens over time, or is accompanied by symptoms like numbness/tingling in the legs, weakness, or difficulty walking, it’s time to consult a specialist. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications and improve outcomes.

The team at Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic is committed to helping you return to an active, pain-improved life through personalized care and leading-edge orthopedic and rehabilitative techniques.

Request an Appointment Today

You don’t have to live with back pain. Schedule an evaluation with a back pain specialist at Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic today. Call (703) 348-3678 or request your appointment online to get started.