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Back Pain
Overview
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Most people will have back problems at one time or another. Back pain generally develops from everyday wear and tear, overuse or an injury, and can occur anywhere from the neck to the tailbone. While many back injuries are caused by an injury, factors that can increase risk for back pain include getting older, having a family history of back pain, sitting for long periods, lifting or pulling heavy objects, or having a degenerative disease like osteoporosis.
Back pain generally develops from everyday wear and tear.
Four in five people will be affected by lower back pain at some point in their lives. Most back pain will ease with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Applying cold compresses or ice for 20 minutes several times a day also may help. Talk to your health care provider if the pain doesn't ease after these self-care steps.
Request an Appointment
Holland Hospital orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons offer a variety of surgical, nonsurgical, and minimally invasive techniques to treat back and neck pain. Please call for a consultation:

The Bone & Joint Center
3299 N. Wellness Drive, Suite 240
Holland, MI  49424
(616) 738-4420

The Brain + Spine Center
3299 North Wellness Drive, Suite 240
Holland, MI  49424
(616) 738-4420

Shoreline Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
370 N. 120th Avenue
Holland, MI  49424
(616) 396-5855
Back pain can feel sharp, aching, dull, tingling, or burning. The pain comes from damaged muscles, ligaments, and nerves, or from the spine. Acute back pain will usually go away on its own within one to six weeks. Although it might be difficult, it’s better to move about than stay in bed, as long as you take it easy. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and applying ice or hot packs can ease pain and stiffness. These measures can also help chronic back pain (pain that lasts longer than three months). Surgery is seldom needed for chronic back problems. Some people find relief with massage or chiropractic treatment.