Treating All Types of Back Pain in Bakersfield

There are three different types of back pain, each with their own causes and treatments. Many times the causes of back pain go away on their own within a few weeks. The following may help ease your recovery:

  • Stretching
  • Hot and cold therapy
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Massage

If you are living with back pain in Bakersfield or a surrounding area, Dignity Health Mercy &  Memorial Hospitals can help. Our experts can diagnose the cause of your back pain and help determine a treatment that fixes the problem long term. Find a Doctor near you or call (877) 239-3437 for a doctor referral.

Upper Back Pain

One common cause of upper back pain is a sprain or strain. These injuries usually result from sudden, awkward movements, and the pain usually goes away within a few days.

Other causes of upper back pain involve spine conditions, such as spinal arthritis, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and degenerated, ruptured, or herniated discs. Osteoporosis can also cause upper back pain. 

Sometimes, other medical conditions, such as a heart attack, can cause pain that moves to the upper back. Other important causes of upper back pain include aortic aneurysm, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and compression of one of the vertebrae.

Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain has many potential causes with one of the most common being a sprain or strain. These injuries usually result from sudden, awkward movements during sports and other strenuous activities. This kind of pain may come on quickly, but usually goes away within a few days.

Other causes of middle back pain involve the spine. This includes spinal arthritis, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and degenerated, ruptured, or herniated discs. Osteoporosis, or thinning bones, can also cause middle back pain. Sometimes, other medical conditions, such as indigestion, pancreatitis, aortic dissection, or kidney stones, can cause pain that is felt in the middle back.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain has many potential causes. Overuse is one of the most common. When you overuse your low back muscles, they become sore and achy. This kind of pain often goes away within a few days.

Other causes of lower back pain involve the spine and include spinal arthritis, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and degenerated, ruptured, or herniated discs. Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, can also cause low back pain.

Trusted Back Pain Treatment at Dignity Health

Our personalized treatment options will depend on the cause of your back pain, as well as your risk factors and medical history. Our goal will be to relieve your pain and prevent future problems.

If your severe or persistent back pain continues, your doctor at Dignity Health may prescribe stronger pain relievers, physical therapy, or a back brace. A back brace and exercises to strengthen the back muscles can help prevent future problems.

Dignity Health provides comprehensive, advanced care for back pain in Bakersfield and for Kern County.