A back strain is a common occurrence and can cause excruciating back pain. In fact, strains in the muscles of the back are often mistaken for worse conditions and have even led some to the emergency room. Herniated discs or other structural conditions in the spine as a result of trauma or injury are also common and in many cases require surgical intervention such as back surgery.

When you hear the term “degenerative disc disease,” your mind may immediately dive into thoughts of a progressive, crippling condition. Does that mean limiting activity for the rest of your life?

It creaks in the night. It stops you dead in your tracks. You don’t want to leave home if you think it may be out there. It can take you by surprise or you may know that it is waiting for your next strenuous move. Your fear of recurring back or neck pain has left you a recluse, shut away, unable to live your life.

By Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD, Board Certified Neuro-Spine Surgeon

If you are injured or develop pain in your back, neck or joints, your primary care physician, the ER physician at a hospital, or an urgent care doctor may recommend you have an MRI. About 30,000 MRI scans are performed every year, many of those of the back, neck and joints. At Deuk Spine Institute, we're able to perform MRI scans right here in our facility.