Back and Leg Pain

Back pain may turn walking, standing, or sitting into a difficult ordeal — but you don’t have to accept it any longer. At Olympus Spine and Pain we offer patient-focused back pain solutions that get you back to your normal life. Schedule your consultation by calling the Murray, Utah, office, or click on the online booking link now.

What is back pain?

Back pain refers to pain occurring in any part of your thoracic (upper and middle) or lumbar (lower) spine. Most back pain occurs in the five lumbar spine vertebrae or in the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which connects your spine and pelvis. 

What causes chronic back pain?

Back pain can occur for reasons like poor posture and bad habits such as lifting with your back. In many other cases, however, chronic back pain develops due to: 

• Degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Bulging disc
• Disc herniation
• Arthritis
• Slipped vertebrae (spondylolisthesis)
• Collapsed vertebrae due to osteoporosis
• Spinal differences, such as scoliosis
• SI joint inflammation (sacroiliitis)

Chronic back pain may begin as an injury. Most injuries heal with prompt medical care, but an untreated injury like a sprain or strain can worsen and potentially become chronic. 

Are leg and back pain connected?

Back and leg pain are often connected. The long sciatic nerve exits your spine and extends through each hip and leg. 

When a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or any other changes in your spine develop, it can push on the sciatic nerve. This commonly causes sciatica — back pain that shoots down one hip and leg.

How is back pain diagnosed?

Dr. Warner evaluates back, hip, and leg pain carefully through a physical exam, medical history review, symptom review, and imaging tests. 

What is the most effective back pain treatment?

The most effective back pain treatment is the one that helps you get back to the life you know. Dr. Warner discusses all of your options and helps you decide the ideal approach. 

Many patients find pain relief by combining lifestyle practices (diet, weight loss, and exercise) with pain management treatments like nerve blocks or steroid injections. 

For long-lasting results, Dr. Warner may recommend more advanced procedures such as a minimally invasive lumbar decompression (Mild®) procedure, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or other interventional pain management procedure. He also offers ketamine infusions for chronic pain*.  

If hip, leg, or back pain deters you from enjoying an active life, it’s time to talk about solutions at Olympus Spine and Pain. Dr. Warner has extensive experience to help you beat chronic pain. Call the office or book your consultation via online scheduling now.

*Ketamine infusions are FDA-approved as a sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical purposes, but are not yet approved for chronic pain treatment. Spravato®, an esketamine nasal spray, has FDA approval for addressing treatment-resistant depression.