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What Causes Back & Spine Pain?

Spine and back pain can be caused by a number of musculoskeletal problems, conditions, incidents, or simply because of aging. Treatment may consist of physical therapy and other less invasive procedures or surgery.

Our specialists carefully evaluate your specific needs and requests to help you identify and treat your back pain.

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    Possible Causes

    Back and spine pain can be caused by any of the following conditions:

    Back pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. For this reason, it’s important to accurately diagnose the source of pain so you can find the best treatment.

    We have experts that specialize in upper, mid, and lower back pain; spinal deformity; scoliosis in both adults and children; spine fractures; spinal cord injuries; and tumors of the spine among others. Our goal is to help you decide on the best treatment plan customized to your individual circumstances.

    Schedule an Evaluation

    At University of Utah Health, we are dedicated to helping people of all ages with a variety of back, neck, and spine conditions, lead pain free, healthy lives again. Whether your spinal problem is a recent occurrence or a long-term issue or if you suffer from spinal disease, we provide the highest level of care for the full spectrum of spine conditions.

    You can request an evaluation from our specialists and find relief from your spine and back pain.

    Resources About Spine & Back Pain

    Jun 13, 2019

    Should I Go to the ER for Really Bad Back Pain?

    You’re experiencing extreme pain in your back—is it bad enough that you should go to an emergency room? On this Health Minute, we play "ER or Not" with emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen, as he shares what sy...

    Mar 12, 2019

    What's Causing the Shooting Pain in My Leg?

    Sciatica is a pain that originates from the back but shoots down the legs to the foot. It’s often described as an electrical sensation accompanied by sharp pain. Sciatica can affect patients of all ages and often comes...

    Jan 30, 2019

    A Holistic Approach to Back Pain

    Anyone who has had back pain—and that’s nearly all of us—knows how debilitating it can be. Even more frustrating is that for many, that pain comes back, again and again, no matter what they try. Julie Fritz, Ph.D.,...

    Dec 28, 2018

    Health Hack: Yoga to Help With Lower Back Pain

    Chronic lower back pain is one of the most common types of pain in the United States. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen says yoga can reduce lower back pain and may be a cheaper alternative to the typical treatmen...

    Dec 10, 2018

    Oh, that Aching Back

    In 2016, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that costs due to back pain trail only diabetes and heart disease in total health care costs in the United States.

    Mar 21, 2018

    Rethinking Back Pain Treatments

    There is growing concern that much of that money is being spent on back pain treatments that either don’t work, or make the condition worse.

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