Back Pain Specialist
Advanced Spine and Pain Specialists
Krishna Chunduri, MD
Anesthesiologist & Pain Management Physician located in Garfield Ridge, Chicago, IL
An estimated 80% of adults in the United States experience back pain at some point in their life. If you have pain that isn’t going away, you can find help at Advanced Spine & Pain Specialists in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Krishna Chunduri, MD, offers comprehensive back pain services to address arthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and other causes of chronic back pain. Dr. Chunduri provides personalized treatments like injection therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation to end your pain and restore your quality of life. Call Advanced Spine & Pain Specialists today or book a consultation online.
Back Pain Q & A
What causes back pain?
There are a number of reasons why you might develop persistent back pain. Being 50 or older can increase your risk for back pain that stems from degenerative changes in your spine.
Women in their post-menopausal years are also at increased risk for osteoporosis that leads to painful compression fractures in the spine.
If you’re overweight or obese, that extra weight can affect the integrity of your spine and pinch nearby nerves. Obesity also increases your risk for long-term complications that cause back pain, including:
- Sciatica
- Osteoarthritis
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
If you work in a physically demanding job that involves heavy lifting or standing on your feet for long periods of time, you might be at a higher risk for developing chronic back pain.
When should I seek treatment for back pain?
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Advanced Spine & Pain Specialists if you have pain in your upper, lower, or middle back that isn’t getting better with rest and over-the-counter medications. You also need an appointment if you have back pain that continues to worsen, even if you’re treating it at home.
Dr. Chunduri offers on-site diagnostic testing services to determine the root cause of your pain. He evaluates the different structures of your back, including the bones, ligaments, and muscles that make up your spine. He also reviews your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to pinpoint possible causes of your pain.
How is back pain treated?
Acute back pain from overuse and muscle strains can resolve on its own with over-the-counter medications, rest, and ice or heat therapy. However, if these remedies aren’t enough, Dr. Chunduri can customize a treatment plan to your needs. He offers:
Epidural steroid injections
Steroid injections deliver anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medications directly into the epidural space of your spine. These medications disrupt the nerve signals that travel from your spine to your brain and reduce inflammation that irritates your spinal nerves.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets inflamed or damaged nerves. The treatment uses radiofrequency energy to destroy painful nerves and provide long-term pain relief.
Spinal cord stimulation
If you have chronic pain that limits your spinal mobility, you might be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation. This treatment involves surgically implanting a stimulator device into your spine.
You control your back pain as it occurs using an external remote that sends impulses of electricity into your spinal nerves to block pain signals.
To find out which back pain treatment is right for you, call Advanced Spine & Pain Specialists or book an appointment online today.