Dr. Edward Akeyson
Dr. Edward Akeyson is a neurological surgeon at MidState Spine & Pain Institute.

Almost every person experiences back pain at some point, often in the lower region of the back. Sometimes the pain is short-lived. For other people, it is chronic or acute.

As people age, they are more susceptible to back problems primarily due to the natural degeneration of the disks. Over time, disks lose their water and elasticity, becoming stiffer and harder, which affects the movement of the spine. Arthritis can also be a cause, affecting the back as it may in other joints.

But people of all ages can develop back pain. Sometimes little can be done to prevent back problems if the causes are hereditary, due to an infection or kidney stones, a condition such as scoliosis or certain diseases. Muscle or ligament strains, disk problems and combination of several factors may cause the pain.

Lifestyle may also contribute to back problems. Being overweight or in poor physical condition, performing work requiring lifting and twisting or extended sitting can all influence back strength and health. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, standing straight and learning how to lift can all help to keep the back strong.

Many people can deal with the pain if it is infrequent. Some back pain is only temporary as in the case of pregnancy when additional weight causes strain. But physicians recommend that if symptoms include neurological problems such as pain radiating down the leg, numbness, tingling and difficulty moving one foot, further investigation is warranted.

Just because back pain is more serious or chronic, it does not mean surgery is necessary. Nonsurgical treatment, including exercise, physical therapy, heat, massage, over-the-counter medication, yoga or Pilates — or a combination of these — can restore the back.

If such treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended. Fortunately, new technologies have resulted in less invasive surgery and ultimately quicker recovery times. These advances also enable surgeons to be able to treat broader conditions that they weren’t able to previously.

Better imagery has played an important role in these surgical advances. For example, a 3D C-Arm that curves around a patient provides a 3D, rather than flat, image to surgeons while they are in the operating room, giving them a more thorough understanding of the problem. Navigation systems, similar to a GPS, use probes to map a patient’s body, which enables medical professionals the ability to zero in on a precise area. An endoscopic camera provides a microscopic view of the exact spot through a small puncture hole rather than a large incision.

Coupled with advanced imagery technologies and specialized devices, it is possible to complete sophisticated back surgeries in less time. As a result, patients are able to quickly return to their active lives.