Back Pain

Back Pain Care at UVM Health

Back pain is common — most people experience it at some point. Sometimes you’ve simply slept in the wrong position or sat for a long period of time. But some types of back pain have deeper underlying causes. When pain lingers day after day, it’s time to seek help.

University of Vermont Health is home to the largest spine program in Vermont and northern New York. Our specially trained experts have decades of experience in both nonsurgical and surgical spine care.

A medical provider checks a patient's back.

Why Choose UVM Health?

We offer the entire range of treatments to help you return to an active lifestyle, without pain holding you back. As one of the leading orthopedic programs in the region, we offer:

Team-based, specialized care: Orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons with fellowship training in spine surgery collaborate with a team of experts — including pain management physicians, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, dedicated spine physical therapists and advanced practice providers — to provide comprehensive care.
Patient-centered approach: We personalize each treatment to your needs, turning to surgery only when it’s the most effective option. Nurses and physical therapists spend extra time educating you on your treatment plan, giving clear instructions and helping you understand what to expect if you need surgery.
Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physician-leaders are active researchers at the forefront of orthopedic care, publishing papers and presenting our research at national meetings.

Types of Back Pain

There are many causes of back pain. A small strain can cause pain and stiffness that lasts a few days. Other types of back pain stem from chronic (long-lasting) problems, such as:

Arthritis: The spongy cushioning (cartilage) between the joints of your spine wears down over time.
Herniated discs: You have a rubbery pad (disc) between each of your spinal bones. Sometimes, the gel-like center of a disc breaks through its exterior, irritating surrounding nerves.
Radiculopathy: One of your nerves gets compressed in the area where it leaves your spinal column.
Spinal stenosis: Your spinal column narrows, compressing your spinal cord and nerves.
Spondylolisthesis: One of your spinal bones (vertebrae) slips out of place and can lead to pressure on your nerves.

Back pain can affect your upper and mid-back (thoracic spine) or lower back (lumbar spine). Any of these conditions can affect any part of your thoracic or lumbar spine.

Diagnosing Back Pain

Your provider will examine you and ask questions to get to the root of your back pain. They’ll want to know when your symptoms started, what worsens them and what relieves them. Then they’ll use tests such as:

X-rays: Use low doses of radiation to create images of your bones to examine the alignment in your spine
MRIs: Use magnets and radio waves to get a close look at your soft tissues, which can help identify herniated discs or other disc problems
Electromyography (EMG): Measure the electrical signals between your muscles and nerves
Injections: Deliver pain medicine to a specific area along your spine to see if it relieves your symptoms
Single photo emission computed tomography (SPECT) CT scans: Use a contrast dye and a series of specialized X-rays to better identify the source of your pain

Back Pain Treatment

Sometimes back pain gets better with rest, ice and other at-home therapies. Other times, you need more targeted treatment.

Our team personalizes your care plan, always starting with a noninvasive approach. We only recommend surgery when we believe it’s the most effective treatment for your needs. Your treatment plan may include:

Medications for Back Pain

Your provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines or steroids. These medications help decrease swelling, reduce inflammation and relieve pain. You may also take muscle relaxers or over-the-counter pain relievers.

Physical Therapy for Back Pain

A physical therapist can teach you exercises that help improve your range of motion and increase strength. They may also use hands-on techniques to gently stretch your muscles and joints.

Injections for Back Pain

Your provider may inject a steroid medication directly into the area around your spinal cord (epidural space). This can reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. It can also help confirm the source of your symptoms. Back pain caused by arthritis may respond to other types of injections, such as medical branch blocks or radiofrequency ablation.

Surgery for Back Pain

In some cases, surgery may be the best way to treat your back pain. We may operate to remove a disc fragment or bony growth (spur) to relieve nerve compression. Sometimes, we may need to insert rods or screws to stabilize your spine. Our surgeons use advanced techniques, including minimally invasive approaches and intraoperative navigation systems that allow us to operate with exceptional precision.