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Back Pain Specialist

Tom Macek, MD -  - Board Certified Pain Management & Board Certified Anesthesiology

Tom Macek, MD

Board Certified Pain Management & Board Certified Anesthesiology located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Few things stand in the way of a normal daily routine more than back pain. Dr. Tom Macek is the pain management specialist of choice for men and women in and around Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Macek offers comprehensive care for lower back pain and helps you get back into the swing of your normal routine. Schedule an appointment today by calling the office or using the simple online scheduling tool.

Back Pain Q&A

What is lower back pain?

Your spine is a complex assembly of bones, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. When you consider the daily workload body support and the incredible flexibility of the human back, it’s no surprise that back pain is so common.

While everyone can experience lower back pain at one point or another, severe, persistent pain is another matter.

What are some symptoms of lower back pain?

Pain in the lower portion of your spine is the most obvious symptom, but that discomfort is often accompanied by other sensations. Some of the more common symptoms of lower back pain include:

  • Stiffness or limited range of motion
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle knots
  • Pain in your shoulders, arms, or chest
  • Loss of balance
  • Incontinence

Be sure to speak with Dr. Macek about any unusual sensations, even if they don’t seem directly connected to your lower back pain.

What causes lower back pain?

Lower back pain can have numerous causes. Some are the result of injury; others are congenital or caused by degenerative conditions.

Some causes of lower back pain include:

  • Improper lifting technique
  • Traumatic or sports injury
  • Poor posture
  • Bulging or herniated disc
  • Ligament or muscle strain
  • Nerve pressure or damage

Some of these causes are within your control, while others occur no matter how healthy or careful you are.

What treatments are available for lower back pain?

Dr. Macek completes a thorough diagnostic work-up to determine the source of your back pain and create a customized treatment plan. In some cases, a period of rest, heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers are all that’s needed to move past back pain.

If at-home care is insufficient to alleviate your pain, prescription medication might play a role in your pain management plan. Dr. Macek makes every effort to address chronic or acute pain without reliance on pain medications, or tries to use drug therapy as a short-term solution while your body heals.

Physical therapy and targeted exercise go a long way toward strengthening your back and relieving lower back pain. Once you learn techniques for improving your posture, lifting properly, and exercising at the right intensity, you’ll be in a great position to prevent future back pain.

If you’re frustrated by ongoing back pain and looking for relief, schedule an appointment with Dr. Macek to discuss available treatments.