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Back Pain Specialist

Loudoun Neurology Associates

Parminder Chawla, MD

Neurologist located in Leesburg, VA

If you suffer from back pain accompanied by neurological symptoms like tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, you already know how debilitating pain in your back can become. At Loudoun Neurology Associates in Lansdowne, Leesburg, Virginia, you can find, you can find the underlying cause of your pain and address it. Parminder Chawla, MD, the neurologist who owns and operates the office, can diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan to treat your symptoms. When back pain is keeping you down, contact Dr. Chawla to find a solution that works. Call the office to schedule your appointment or book online today.

Back Pain Q & A

What causes back pain?

A variety of issues can cause back pain, and the most common ones include:

Herniated discs

Herniated discs occur when the cushioning between your vertebrae not only bulges out of its position but has a small tear that forms in its outer layer, allowing its jelly-like interior to leak out. Herniated discs often press on spinal nerves and lead to severe pain.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis results when the interior of your spinal column narrows, compressing the nerves in the spine. This condition may also lead to bone spurs and bulging discs, and the combined effect may cause debilitating back pain.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis in your spine, also called spondylosis, leads to the degeneration of both your vertebrae and discs. It also causes bone spurs, herniated discs, pinched nerves, and an overgrowth of bone, which all impair your spinal function and cause extreme pain.

How is back pain diagnosed?

Before Dr. Chawla determines the right course of treatment, he must find the cause of your back pain. To do so, he completes a physical examination. During this exam, he tests your mobility, reflexes, and strength. He also asks you a range of questions, including when your pain started, what makes it worse, and what helps.

Dr. Chawla may require medical imaging to diagnosis your back pain. He often uses MRIs and CT scans to give him a better picture of what’s happening in your back and spine. Through these imaging technologies, he can see a variety of skeletal conditions and determine the cause of your pain.

What are the treatments for back pain?

Dr. Chawla treats back pain in a variety of ways. In some cases, lifestyle changes can reduce back pain symptoms. These include ergonomic changes to your workplace, including desk and chair height, as well as modifications in how you lift heavy objects.

Improving your diet by eliminating inflammation-causing foods may help. If you tend to sit for extended periods, getting up regularly can ease some of your back pain symptoms. For discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers are recommendable.

Dr. Chawla may also suggest regular exercise to keep the spine mobile. Back strengthening exercises build stability and in some cases, Dr. Chawla may prescribe physical therapy. In extreme cases, he may recommend surgery.

If you have back pain, find help today by calling Dr. Chawla’s office to book your appointment. You can also schedule online.