Low Back Pain Treatment for Patients in Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg & the Surrounding VA Areas

Low back pain treatment is one of the most common requests of patients from Hampton, Williamsburg, and Newport News, Virginia, when they consult with Dr. Jonathan Mason, the fellowship-trained spine specialist at Tidewater Orthopaedics (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). Dr. Mason treats all conditions of the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine.

As an orthopaedic spine surgeon, Dr. Mason has the skills necessary to perform highly complex surgical procedures. However, because he believes in treating his patients as conservatively as possible, he will first recommend any non-surgical alternatives that he deems to be appropriate. For instance, physical therapy can be a highly effective option for many patients. To provide fully customized low back pain treatment, Dr. Mason works closely with the physical therapists at Tidewater Orthopaedics’ comprehensive, onsite physical therapy clinic in Hampton Roads. His ultimate goal is to pinpoint the source of a patient’s back pain, and offer the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and improve function.

Many spinal conditions can cause low back pain that requires treatment. For example:

• Muscles, ligaments, and joint capsules can be strained or sprained through injury or overuse.
• A traumatic injury can fracture a spinal vertebra.
• Over time, small tears can occur in the outer border of an intervertebral disc, allowing some of its inner gel-like material to seep out into the spinal canal and potentially exert pressure on sensitive neural tissue.
• Age-related degenerative changes, such as arthritis, can lead to a breakdown of several components of the spinal anatomy.

If a patient’s discomfort persists or worsens after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended. Traditionally, surgeons have had to retract large bands of muscle when operating on the spine, which could potentially lead to significant post-operative pain along with some permanent muscle damage and scarring. Today, in certain cases, skilled surgeons like Dr. Mason can operate on the spine without creating an open incision down the center of the back. These advanced, minimally invasive techniques generally allow for shorter hospital stays, more rapid recoveries, less risk of blood loss and infection, and improved cosmetic results with smaller scars.

To learn more about low back pain treatment or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mason in Hampton or Williamsburg, VA, call Tidewater Orthopaedics at 757-827-2480.