Back Pain

Offering relief for patients with back pain.

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Overview

Back pain is one of the most common and debilitating conditions that affects mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life. It can stem from a variety of causes, including muscle strain, herniated discs, arthritis, or spinal conditions, leading to symptoms like stiffness, sharp or aching pain, and reduced flexibility.

At Whaley Health and Pain Management, Dr. Whaley and our team help patients recognize the signs of back pain and provide personalized treatment options to address the underlying cause. Through advanced therapies such as epidural injections, nerve blocks, and comprehensive wellness support, we work to reduce inflammation, alleviate discomfort, and restore function.

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Common Causes of Back Pain

Chronic and acute back pain can have many causes. It’s important to work with a provider, like Dr. Whaley, who will take time to understand the root cause–instead of just treating symptoms.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

A bulging disc occurs when the soft, inner disc protrudes outward. Herniated discs occur when the inner disc has ruptured and leaks outward. Both can cause pain, numbness, and nerve irritation.

Muscle Strains & Injuries

When we overstretch or overuse our muscles, it can lead to strains, tears, or other injuries that lead to pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling.

Sciatica

When pain radiates from the lower back into your leg, often causing weakness, tingling, or numbness it is referred to as sciatica.

Arthritis & Degenerative Disc Disease

Arthritis is a breakdown of cartilage in the joints connecting the vertebrae of your spine while degenerative disc disease occurs when the soft inner disc deteriorates.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when there is not enough space in the area around the spinal cord, causing pressure and irritating the nerves.

Recognizing the Signs of Chronic Back Pain

Our team can help you spot the symptoms of chronic back pain and understand how it feels, how intense it is, and where it occurs.

Pain Type

Can be a dull ache, stiffness, sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or a combination of these.

Severity

Chronic back pain doesn’t go away and can interfere with your ability to perform daily activities.

Location

Typically, back pain occurs in the lower back, but depending on the cause, it can radiate down the legs.

How We Treat Back Pain

At Whaley Health & Pain Management, we take the time to understand what our patients are experiencing so that we can treat more than just symptoms–we want to treat the underlying cause and help you improve your overall health and wellness. To do that, we offer targeted therapies to help restore mobility, reduce discomfort, and holistically improve your quality of life.

Epidural Steroid Injections

This involves steroid medication injected directly into the epidural space around the spine to provide relief.

Nerve Blocks & Ablations

These targeted pain relief techniques address the nerves to manage chronic nerve pain and improve mobility.

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

These therapy practices improve strength, flexibility, and mobility, helping patients recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions.

Pain Pump & Stimulator Trials

These advanced pain management options offer long-term relief from severe chronic pain conditions, providing pain medication directly into the spinal fluid with a catheter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does back pain usually last?
The duration of back pain depends on the cause. Acute back pain typically lasts a few days to a few weeks and often improves with rest and conservative treatments. Chronic back pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months. If you have been experiencing pain in your back for longer than 3 months, it’s time to see Dr. Whaley!
Is back pain a sign of disease?
While back pain is often caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or injury, it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition such as arthritis, osteoporosis, herniated discs, kidney infections, or even certain neurological disorders. If your back pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, numbness, or unexplained weight loss, it’s important to tell your primary care doctor or Dr. Whaley immediately.
Can I treat back pain at home?
Yes, mild to moderate back pain can often be managed at home with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, hot or cold therapy, gentle stretching, and proper posture. Low-impact exercises, such as walking or yoga, can also help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. However, if your pain worsens or doesn’t improve within a few weeks, professional medical care may be necessary. Talk to your doctor about referring you to a pain specialist.
Can the weather affect my back pain?
Yes, many people with back pain report increased discomfort in cold, damp, or changing weather conditions. Drops in temperature can cause muscles to tighten, leading to stiffness and pain. Barometric pressure changes may also affect joint and nerve pain. Dressing warmly, staying active, and maintaining proper posture can help minimize weather-related discomfort.
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A fair-skinned woman with long blonde hair, wearing pink medical scrubs over a white and red polka-dotted long-sleeved shirt, is handing a clipboard with papers to a fair-skinned man. The man, wearing a red and white patterned short-sleeved shirt and a watch, appears to be receiving the documents at a counter, possibly in a clinic or office setting.

Success Stories from Our Patients

Hear from others in the Delta area who have trusted Whaley Health and Pain Management with their treatment. You can count on our team to listen, care, and prioritize your health and well-being.

“Dr. Whaley really takes the time to listen and never makes me feel like my pain is less than it feels. I really appreciate her for that.”

Karen G.

"I went to see her and she takes the time to listen, which most doctors don't. If you're looking for a local pain management doctor, I highly recommend calling and setting up an appointment. All the staff are so friendly too.

Cathy T.

“10/10! I was able to get in fast, explain what was going on, and get the help I needed! Their office is beautiful, check-in was super easy, and they provided exceptional service. If you are having any kind of pain issues, I highly recommend giving them a call!!”

Kayla Z.

Start Your Pain-Free Journey Today

Dr. Heather Whaley takes a thoughtful approach to pain management, recognizing that effective relief requires more than just treating symptoms.

Speak with Our Team

If you’re dealing with chronic or acute pain, ask your doctor about a referral to see how we can help.

Locate Us in Stuttgart

413 E. Michigan
Stuttgart, AR 72160