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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.

    Hear From Our Patients

    Patient Has Less Pain After Life-Changing Spinal Stenosis Surgery

    For years, Dan Owens suffered excruciating back pain, barely managing to make his way between the bed, a nearby bathroom, and a chair only feet away. After many diagnoses and failed treatments for pain management, he grew discouraged. In August 2018, an MRI revealed he had spinal stenosis (severe narrowing caused by arthritis and degenerative disk disease), which exerts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

    Getting Back to Grandpa: Improving Quality of Life For Spinal Revision Patients

    Greg Pierce enjoys gardening, playing with his grandkids, building a new home in Idaho, and taking shifts serving patrons at their area religious temple. But it wasn't always like this. Just a few months ago, Greg could barely walk or stand upright without excruciating pain in his back, hips, and legs. After a long career managing freight and supply for a local grocery business, Greg suffered chronic back strain and underwent compounding surgeries as his condition got worse.

    Resources About Spine & Back Pain

    Aug 04, 2021

    Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery Right for You?

    If you or a loved one are experiencing issues like spinal stenosis or an impacted disk, you may be considering spinal surgery. This may seem like a complicated operation with a very long recovery time, but recent advance...

    Feb 05, 2020

    How to Shovel Snow: Tips to Prevent Injury

    It doesn't matter if you're a veteran snow shoveler or more of a beginner—save your back with these tips. Otherwise, you may end up suffering from back pain.

    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.

    Sep 03, 2015

    Avoiding a Painful Commute

    Being stuck in a car for a long commute can cause serious problems for your neck, spine, and back. How to avoid the pain.

    Aug 25, 2015

    4 Tips for Managing Your Chronic Pain

    One in 10 adult Americans suffer from constant chronic pain. What can you do about it? Read these four tips for managing your chronic pain.

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