Back Pain Specialist

Paul M Puziss, MD -  - Orthopedic Specialist

Puziss Orthopedics

Paul M Puziss, MD

Orthopedic Specialist & Back, Spine, & Neck Specialist located in Downtown Beaverton, Beaverton, OR

Back pain is common and can occur at any age. Though back pain may resolve on its own with at-home care, if your pain is severe or not improving, you may benefit from a consultation at Puziss Orthopedics. Dr. Puziss takes a conservative approach to back pain, offering innovative treatments and therapies to alleviate your discomfort and prevent the need for surgery. To schedule your back pain evaluation, contact the office in Beaverton, Oregon by phone today.

Back Pain Q&A

What is back pain?

Back pain is common and includes any pain you feel in your upper, middle, or lower back. However, most cases of back pain cause low back pain. Your pain may be dull and achy or sharp and severe.

Back pain is either acute or chronic.

Acute back pain

You may develop acute back pain after an injury. This type of pain may be severe but usually resolves within a few weeks. 

Chronic back pain

Chronic back pain is a type of pain that lasts 12 or more weeks. You may develop chronic back pain after an acute injury or from an underlying health condition that affects the structure and function of your back. 

What are the common causes of back pain?

Back pain is most often caused by mechanical problems that affect the structures that make up your back, which may result after an injury or degenerative changes that occur with age. Common causes of back pain include:

  • Thoracic and lumbar strains
  • Facet syndrome
  • Nerve pain
  • Herniated disc
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Arthritis
  • Trauma
  • Spinal deformities
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Muscle spasms
  • Discogenic pain

No matter the cause, back pain can disrupt your activities of daily living. If you’re experiencing back pain and searching for treatments to alleviate your discomfort,Puziss Orthopedics can help. 

What happens during a back pain evaluation?

At your evaluation at Puziss Orthopedics, Dr. Puziss asks about the location of your back pain, the severity of your symptoms, when and how your pain started, and the type of discomfort you feel. 

He then performs a physical exam and may request diagnostic tests to better understand the cause of your back pain, such as digital X-rays, MRI, or lab work. The full-service practice performs many of the diagnostic testings you need at the office. 

How is back pain treated?

Treatment for your back pain is customized based on the underlying cause of your discomfort, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health and wellness needs. 

Puziss Orthopedics takes a conservative approach to care and uses non-surgical methods to support your body’s natural healing process to alleviate pain and restore normal function. 

Treatment for back pain may include:

  • Medications
  • Injections
  • Nerve blocks
  • Physical therapy
  • Prolotherapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Acupuncture

Dr. Puziss can also provide top-notch referrals should patients need surgery. However, his goal is to recommend surgery as a last resort.

For a conservative approach to the management of your back pain from a team of orthopedic experts, contact Puziss Orthopedics by phone today.