Spine

Expert back pain treatment in Atlanta

Comprehensive back pain care combining advanced diagnostics, targeted conservative therapies, and minimally invasive procedures to restore pain-free movement.

Back Pain illustration

Living with back pain doesn't have to be your normal. At Legacy Brain and Spine, we understand how debilitating chronic back pain can be—affecting your work, sleep, relationships, and overall quality of life. Our board-certified neurosurgeons have helped thousands of patients across Atlanta find lasting relief through personalized, evidence-based treatment approaches. Whether you're dealing with acute injury or chronic pain, we're here to help you get back to living life on your terms.

Overview

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Whether acute or chronic, back pain can significantly impact your quality of life. At Legacy Brain and Spine, our board-certified neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of back pain using evidence-based, minimally invasive techniques.

Said Elshihabi
Board Certified

Expert care for back pain

Our board-certified neurosurgeons specialize in comprehensive back pain treatment using evidence-based approaches. From conservative care to minimally invasive procedures, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition and goals.

Meet Our Physicians

Common Symptoms

Back pain manifests differently for each person, but recognizing these common warning signs is crucial for seeking timely treatment. If you're experiencing any combination of these symptoms, especially if they persist beyond a few weeks or interfere with daily activities, our specialists can provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment to restore your quality of life.

Persistent aching or stiffness along the spine

A constant, dull discomfort that persists throughout the day, often feeling like muscle tension or deep-seated soreness. This chronic aching can make it difficult to find comfortable positions and may worsen as the day progresses.

Sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back

Sudden, intense pain concentrated in a specific area of the spine that may feel like a stabbing or burning sensation. This acute pain often limits movement and can be triggered by specific positions or activities.

Chronic pain in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for long periods

Prolonged positions cause accumulating discomfort that builds over hours, making desk work or standing tasks increasingly difficult. This mechanical pain typically improves with position changes but returns with sustained postures.

Pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica)

Shooting, burning, or electric sensations that travel from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, sometimes reaching the foot. This nerve pain indicates compression of spinal nerve roots and often accompanies numbness or tingling.

Inability to stand up straight without pain

Severe discomfort forces you to lean forward or to one side to relieve pressure on painful structures. This postural distortion becomes involuntary as your body naturally avoids positions that increase pain.

Common Causes

Understanding what's causing your back pain is the first step toward effective treatment. While some causes like muscle strains resolve with conservative care, others like disc problems may require more advanced interventions. Our diagnostic expertise helps identify the root cause so we can target treatment precisely where it's needed.

Muscle or ligament strain from heavy lifting or sudden awkward movement

Overexertion or improper lifting techniques can tear muscle fibers and stretch ligaments beyond their normal range. This acute injury causes immediate inflammation and pain that can persist for weeks without proper treatment.

Bulging or ruptured discs pressing on nerves

When the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, it can compress nearby nerve roots. This causes both localized back pain and radiating symptoms down the legs, often accompanied by numbness or weakness.

Arthritis affecting the spine

Osteoarthritis gradually breaks down the cartilage in spinal joints, leading to bone-on-bone friction and inflammation. This degenerative process causes chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that typically worsens over time.

Osteoporosis leading to compression fractures

Weakened bones from osteoporosis can collapse under normal stress, causing vertebral compression fractures. These fractures result in sudden, severe pain and progressive spinal deformity if left untreated.

Poor posture or prolonged sitting

Extended periods of sitting with improper posture place excessive stress on spinal structures and supporting muscles. This chronic strain leads to muscle imbalances, disc compression, and persistent lower back pain that worsens throughout the day.

Treatment Options

Physical therapy and targeted exercises - Customized stretching and strengthening programs designed to improve flexibility, build core stability, and reduce pain through controlled movement and posture correction

Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications - Prescription and over-the-counter options to reduce inflammation and manage acute or chronic pain while you heal

Epidural steroid injections - Targeted cortisone injections delivered directly to the source of inflammation around spinal nerves, providing significant relief that can last months

Minimally invasive spine surgery - Advanced surgical techniques using small incisions, specialized instruments, and image guidance for faster recovery and less tissue damage

Disc replacement procedures - Motion-preserving artificial disc implants that maintain spinal flexibility while eliminating pain from damaged discs

Spinal fusion for severe cases - Surgical stabilization joining two or more vertebrae together to eliminate painful motion and provide long-term stability

State of the Art Facility
Gold Seal Certified

State of the art facilities

Joint Commission Gold Seal certified surgery centers equipped with the latest neurosurgical technology. Our Atlanta and Riverdale facilities offer minimally invasive procedures with concierge recovery suites for optimal patient comfort.

Recovery & Outlook

Recovery time varies depending on the treatment approach. Conservative treatments may provide relief within 6-12 weeks, while surgical interventions typically require 3-6 months for full recovery. Our comprehensive rehabilitation program ensures optimal outcomes.

Ready to Start Your Treatment Journey?

Our board-certified neurosurgeons are here to provide expert evaluation and personalized treatment plans. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options.

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Covered by Insurance

Accepted by most major insurance carriers and plans.

Many of our physicians are in-network with major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and more. Coverage can vary, so feel free to call us—we're happy to check your plan for you.

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Aetna
Aetna
BCBS
Blue Cross Blue Shield
CareSource
CareSource
Cigna
Cigna
Humana
Humana
Medicare
Medicare
Tricare
Tricare
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare

Questions about back pain treatment.

Everything you need to know about diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery.

If conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes haven't provided relief, it may be time to consider advanced treatment options. Our board-certified neurosurgeons will conduct a thorough evaluation including physical examination and imaging studies to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.