Back pain doesn’t play favorites. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a busy parent, or someone working a desk job 40+ hours a week, back pain can sneak up and throw your whole life off balance. And if you’re searching online for answers—like “chronic back pain relief,” or “lower back pain causes,” or “types of back pain,” you’re not alone.
At Greater Maryland Pain Management, we’ve helped thousands of Marylanders find relief by getting to the root of the pain, not just masking the symptoms. Every treatment we offer is guided by a physician and tailored to you.
Let’s break down the three main types of back pain—acute, chronic, and neuropathic—and walk through real treatment options that can actually help.
Type 1: Acute Back Pain (AKA: The Sudden Ouch)
Acute back pain comes on fast—maybe from lifting something the wrong way, twisting too quickly, or even sleeping in a weird position. It usually lasts less than six weeks and often goes away with basic care.
Lower back pain is the most common kind of acute pain, especially for adults between 30 and 50.
Common Causes of Acute Back Pain:
- Strained muscles or ligaments
- Poor posture
- Slipped or herniated discs
- Sudden movements or accidents
- Overuse or heavy lifting
Back Pain Treatment Options for Acute Pain:
Rest—but not too much: A couple of days of rest can help, but staying inactive for too long can actually make things worse.
- Heat and Ice – Alternate between the two to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow.
- OTC Meds – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy – Rehab can help strengthen your back and prevent future injury.
- Epidural Steroid Injections – If the pain is severe or shooting into your legs, we may recommend an injection to calm inflammation fast.
Why Our Approach Works
We don’t just hand you a prescription and send you home. Our providers are real physicians, not assistants or nurse practitioners, and we dig into the cause of your pain and tailor your treatment plan for the fastest, safest recovery.
Type 2: Chronic Back Pain (Pain That Just Won’t Quit)
If your back pain sticks around for 12 weeks or more, it’s considered chronic. It might come and go, or it could be a constant dull ache or sharp pain that disrupts your daily life. Either way, it’s exhausting.
Chronic back pain can be harder to diagnose, which is why you need an experienced team that knows how to look beyond the surface.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Arthritis in the spine
- Past injuries or surgeries
- Bulging or herniated discs
Chronic Back Pain Relief Options:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – A minimally invasive treatment that uses heat to stop nerves from sending pain signals.
- Spinal Injections – Corticosteroid injections can bring down inflammation and offer longer-lasting relief.
- Physical Therapy – Long-term strengthening, stretching, and posture training.
- Pain Medication – Used carefully and as part of a larger pain management plan.
Why Our Chronic Pain Approach Works:
National clinics often follow generic protocols. At Greater Maryland Pain Management, we build a personalized, physician-led plan that treats your pain at the source. You’ll never feel rushed, overlooked, or stuck with cookie-cutter care.
Type 3: Neuropathic Back Pain (When Nerve Pain Takes Over)
Neuropathic back pain, also called nerve pain, feels different. It’s often described as shooting, burning, or stabbing. You might feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs. This kind of pain happens when nerves are damaged or irritated, and it can be especially tough to treat if you don’t have the right support.
Common Causes of Neuropathic Back Pain:
- Sciatica
- Pinched nerves
- Spinal cord injury
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Failed back surgery syndrome
Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain:
- Nerve Blocks – A powerful way to interrupt pain signals from the affected nerve.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation – A small device is implanted to deliver mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain.
- Neuromodulation – Advanced pain therapies that calm overactive nerves.
- Medications for Nerve Pain – These may include antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs, not traditional painkillers.
If your back pain feels electric, zapping, or radiating into your legs, you could be dealing with nerve pain. Our team is highly trained in interventional and advanced pain relief methods that many primary care offices simply don’t offer.
Expert Spinal Pain Management in Maryland
If you’re Googling “back pain treatment options in Maryland” or “chronic back pain relief near me,” you’re probably overwhelmed by the results. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Physician-Led Care – You’ll work directly with experienced pain management doctors, not assistants or rotating staff.
- Custom Plans— We create plans for your body. We don’t blindly follow protocols. Your back pain is personal. Your treatment should be too.
- Full-Service Interventional Pain Care – From epidurals to spinal cord stimulation, we offer a wide range of advanced options under one roof.
- Maryland Roots, Maryland Focus – We’re local. We’re accessible. And we care deeply about our community.
Back Pain Shouldn’t Run Your Life
If you’re searching for back pain treatment options in Maryland, Greater Maryland Pain Management is here to help you find lasting relief. Our physician-led team specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of back pain—from sudden injuries to chronic conditions and nerve-related discomfort. With personalized care plans and advanced, interventional treatments, we’re committed to helping you reclaim your life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at one of our Maryland offices.