Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Frisco, TX

Back pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care — and one of the most misunderstood. For many patients, back pain starts as a minor annoyance after a long day or a tough workout. But when it persists for weeks or months, interferes with sleep, or begins radiating into the legs, it becomes something that demands real medical attention. 

At Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine in Frisco, TX, Dr. Jerry Lewis, MD sees patients every day who have been managing back pain on their own far longer than they should have. Understanding what causes back pain — and when it's time to see a specialist — can make a significant difference in your recovery and quality of life. 

What Causes Chronic Back Pain? 

Acute back pain — the kind that comes on suddenly after lifting something heavy or sleeping in an awkward position — typically resolves on its own within a few weeks. Chronic back pain is different. It persists for three months or longer and usually has an underlying structural or neurological cause. 

The most common causes we treat include:  

• Herniated or bulging discs — when the soft cushion between spinal vertebrae pushes out and presses on nearby nerves 
• Degenerative disc disease — gradual breakdown of the discs that cushion the spine, common with age 
• Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal that creates pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots 
• Facet joint arthritis — inflammation and deterioration of the small joints along the spine 
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction — pain originating from the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis 
• Muscle and soft tissue injuries — strains, spasms, and myofascial pain that become chronic without proper treatment 

When Should You See a Pain Management Specialist? 

Primary care physicians are often the first stop for back pain, and that's appropriate for early-stage symptoms. However, there are clear signs that it's time to see a board-certified pain management specialist:  

• Your pain has lasted more than 6–8 weeks without improvement 
• Pain is radiating from your back into your buttocks, legs, or feet 
• You are experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your lower extremities 
• Over-the-counter medications are no longer providing adequate relief 
• Your pain is disrupting sleep, work, or daily activities 
• Imaging such as an MRI or X-ray has identified a structural cause 

If any of these apply to you, a pain management evaluation is the appropriate next step — not continued waiting. 

  

How We Treat Back Pain at Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine 

Dr. Lewis takes a diagnostic-first approach. Before recommending any procedure, he reviews your medical history, imaging, and symptom pattern to identify the specific source of your pain. Treatment is then built around that diagnosis — not a one-size-fits-all protocol. 

Depending on the cause of your back pain, treatment options may include:  

• Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around compressed spinal nerves 
• Facet joint injections for arthritis-related back pain 
• Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation to disrupt pain signals from arthritic spinal joints 
• Sacroiliac joint injections for pain originating from the SI joint 
• Spinal cord stimulation for patients with chronic back pain who have not responded to other treatments 
• Medication management for comprehensive, monitored pain control 

Most procedures are performed in-office with minimal downtime. Dr. Lewis is double board-certified by the American Board of Pain Medicine and the American Board of Anesthesiology, with more than 30 years of experience treating patients throughout Frisco and Collin County. 

Take the Next Step 

If you have been living with back pain and have not found lasting relief, Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine is currently accepting new patients in Frisco, TX. Call (214) 618-9600 or request a consultation online today .