Conditions we treat
Ongoing Back Pain Deserves a Clear Answer
Back pain has many possible causes. The right treatment starts with identifying the right one.
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Overview
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain may come from muscles, ligaments, discs, joints, or nerves in the lumbar spine. It can develop gradually from wear and repetitive stress, or appear suddenly after an injury or strain.
Some cases stay localized in the lower back. Others involve nerve compression that produces pain, numbness, or weakness into the leg or foot. Because different conditions produce similar symptoms, accurate diagnosis is essential.
Common symptoms
- Persistent aching or stiffness in the lower back
- Sharp pain with bending, lifting, or twisting
- Pain that radiates into the buttock, leg, or foot
- Numbness or tingling in the leg
- Weakness in the leg, ankle, or foot
- Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods
Causes
What May Be Contributing
Back pain can result from several conditions affecting the lumbar spine. In many cases, more than one factor is involved. Treatment depends on identifying the primary source of symptoms.
Conditions that cause back pain
- Herniated or bulging disc
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Facet joint arthritis
- Muscle or ligament strain
When to seek evaluation
When It Needs More Than Rest
Most back pain improves within a few weeks. When it doesn't, or when it produces symptoms into the legs, further evaluation is warranted to rule out a structural cause.
If your back pain is limiting your daily life, it's worth understanding why.
Schedule a spine evaluation →Consider evaluation if
- Pain has persisted for more than 4–6 weeks
- Pain radiates into the leg or foot
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg
- Pain worsens despite rest or OTC treatment
- Difficulty standing, walking, or sitting comfortably
- Previous treatment has not resolved symptoms
Early evaluation leads to better options.
Diagnosis
How Dr. Varghese Evaluates Your Condition
Dr. Varghese begins by listening to your symptoms, how they started, and how they affect your daily function. A focused physical exam assesses mobility, strength, reflexes, and signs of nerve involvement.
When imaging is needed, X-rays or MRI provide a clearer picture of what's happening inside the lumbar spine. Dr. Varghese reviews all findings together with you before making any recommendations.
Every recommendation is grounded in a complete understanding of your condition.
Treatment
Your Treatment Path
Treatment begins with the least invasive options appropriate for your condition. Many patients improve with non-surgical care alone.
Surgery is considered when symptoms persist or when nerve compression is causing ongoing pain, weakness, or functional limitation. When Dr. Varghese recommends surgery, it is because it offers the most reliable path to lasting improvement.
Non-surgical options
- Physical therapy and core strengthening
- Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments
- Medication management
- Epidural steroid injections
Surgical options when indicated
- Lumbar decompression (laminectomy)
- Microdiscectomy
- Lumbar fusion
- Minimally invasive approaches
Why Dr. Varghese
The Right Spine Surgeon for Your Back
Fellowship-trained at one of the nation's top spine centers. Conservative when possible. Precise when it counts.
Fellowship
Advanced spine fellowship at Twin Cities Spine Center with focused lumbar and cervical training.
Philosophy
Surgery is recommended only when it offers a clear advantage over non-operative care.
Lumbar expertise
Trained in decompression, microdiscectomy, lumbar fusion, and minimally invasive techniques.
Integrated care
Practices within Synergy Health Partners with coordinated PT, pain management, and imaging.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Why Patients Trust Dr. Varghese
"Dr. Varghese listens. It's that simple. He is not quick to cut."
— Patient of Dr. Varghese
"He spends as much time with you as needed and explains everything clearly."
— Patient of Dr. Varghese
"Very glad to have had his second opinion. He is kind, considerate and takes time to teach his patients."
— Patient of Dr. Varghese
Schedule your consultation
Ongoing Back Pain?
Schedule an evaluation to understand the cause of your symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options.
The next step is a conversation. Everything else follows from there.
Prefer to call? (855) 750-5757Accepting new patients · Second opinions welcomed · Most major insurances