The term “acute” means pain that has occurred recently, usually within the last three to four months. Occasionally, acute pain is an emergency situation from a traumatic injury such as a fall or motor vehicle accident.

More often with acute spine pain, the pain comes on rather quickly and has not gone away or worsened with activity or work. Most people seek medical help after the pain has lingered for a while and does not improve.

At the UI Spine Center, the most important first step in diagnosis and treatment is a detailed history of the problem, and a thorough physical exam focusing on the area of the pain.

Only after the history and physical exam do we talk to you about other tests such as X-rays or MRI. Many acute spine problems can be diagnosed and treated without X-rays, MRIs or other expensive tests. The vast majority of acute spine symptoms do not come at all from the bones of the spine, but the muscles and soft tissues around the spine.

If your physician or therapist in the UI Spine Center determines you need additional tests, they can be completed the day of your evaluation. These test may include:

• X-rays
• MRI
• Nerve conduction studies or EMGs
• CAT scan

Treatment options available for acute spine pain:

• Physical therapy from therapists specializing in spine problems
• Medication management using medications with low potential for addiction or tolerance
• Peripheral or spinal injections performed by physicians using the latest imaging techniques.
• Detailed recommendations for work or leisure that promotes healing and allows time to rehabilitate.
• Surgical options in specific cases.