What's Causing My Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints — and as anyone who’s ever experienced it knows, it can have a profound effect on your daily life. In this episode of the OrthoInfo podcast, spine surgeons Catherine Olinger, MD, MS, FAAOS, and Melissa Erickson, MD, MBA, FAAOS, help listeners understand what causes back pain and how you can get relief (hint: often, without surgery).

Drs. Olinger and Erickson discuss when back pain warrants a trip to the doctor and which symptoms are true red flags requiring emergency care, as well as the important distinction between acute and chronic pain. They explain the "ladder of invasiveness" approach to treatment, why they typically recommend conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections before surgery is ever considered, and how to set realistic expectations if surgery does become necessary. They also emphasize that it’s essential to tailor surgical treatment to each patient’s unique needs: Not every procedure is right for every patient, and taking the wrong approach can do more harm than good.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who is experiencing back pain and wondering whether they should try managing it at home or see a doctor. Oh — and if you should see a doctor, should it be an orthopaedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon? What’s the difference? Listen to find out.

Host: Catherine R. Olinger, MD, MS, FAAOS, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; OrthoInfo Spine Section Editor

Guest: Melissa M. Erickson, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Medical Director, Duke University Hospital Perioperative Services; Co-Director, Combined Complex Spine Fellowship