Pain management specialists help reduce back and leg pain, and improve function and quality of life

Persistent back and lower limb pain afflicts a large segment of the population. In a 2019 national health survey overseen by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 39% of adults reported back pain and 36% reported lower limb pain. For adults 65 and older, pain in these areas can be common.

Back and leg pain affects comfort and movement and can lead to musculoskeletal impairment, diminished quality of life and higher health care costs. When pain persists and limits activities, it’s time to talk to a provider.

There are several reasons you may be experiencing pain in the spine or legs. Many patients who seek medical care for these issues are found to have arthritis or degenerative discs.

It’s important to be evaluated for back or leg pain as early as possible. Your provider will want to determine how the condition may be affecting your strength, function, physical sensations and possibly bladder or bowel control. Imaging or other tests may be recommended for some patients after a consultation, medical history review and physical examination.

Osteoarthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. It is typically the result of overuse but can also be caused by injury, illness or genetics. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but its symptoms can be reduced.

Physical therapy is often recommended for arthritis, as it helps you learn ways to move more efficiently to alleviate pain, engage in the activities you enjoy, and limit additional damage to joints and muscles.

Your provider can also discuss medications for arthritis and safe use of anti-inflammatory pain relievers.

Deteriorating discs in the spine can be the source of pain and weakness ranging from irritating to intolerable. Disc breakdown is usually the result of age and wear but can also stem from an injury and genetic factors. It is not uncommon for disc pain to radiate down the leg.

As with arthritis, a pain management specialist can assess and help you address issues related to degenerative discs. The specialist will talk with you about your symptoms, activities, treatment goals and medical history. A physical examination will be provided and tests can be ordered if they are needed.

Pain management specialists have a number of tools to help treat back and leg pain. Oral medications and physical therapy are typically recommended as the first line of defense. Steroid injections may be advised based on imaging tests. Radiofrequency ablation may also be used to block the brain’s awareness of arthritis pain in the spine, and is typically effective for a year after one treatment.

Additional treatment options can be discussed with your provider and an individualized care plan will be developed with you. Overall, the goal is to reduce pain, inflammation and impairment, and maintain and improve function without long-term medication use.

Contact your primary care provider or a pain management specialist to ask about pain, weakness and discomfort in your back and legs. Check with your insurance plan to determine the coverage available for consultation, diagnosis and treatment.

Louis Noto, MD, is board-certified in anesthesiology and pain management and is a member of the ProHealth Neuroscience Care team. He provides pain management services at ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital and at the ProHealth Medical Group clinic in Oconomowoc. To schedule a back or neck pain consultation, call 262-928-8532 or visit ProHealthCare.org/BackPainConsult. For other pain-related issues, call the pain management team at 262-928-2200.