What Is a Physiatrist? Non-Surgical Pain Relief
October 3, 2026
What Are the Most Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain, and When Should You See a Doctor?
Chronic back pain is commonly caused by degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, or persistent muscle-related conditions. If your back pain lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or interferes with daily activities, it may be time to consult a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care. Whether it develops gradually or follows an injury, persistent discomfort can affect your ability to work, sleep, exercise, and enjoy everyday activities.
For residents of Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota, and surrounding Florida communities, understanding what's causing your back pain is the first step toward finding effective, non-surgical treatment options.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the discs that cushion the vertebrae in our spine naturally lose hydration and flexibility. These changes can sometimes contribute to persistent lower back or neck pain.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or bending
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Discomfort when lifting objects
- Pain that occasionally radiates into the buttocks or legs
Although degenerative disc changes are common with aging, they do not always cause pain.
When to seek treatment: If back pain persists for several weeks, limits your mobility, or repeatedly returns, a physical medicine specialist can evaluate whether disc degeneration or another condition is contributing to your symptoms.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the softer inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened area of its outer layer. A bulging disc extends beyond its usual boundaries without necessarily rupturing.
When disc material irritates nearby nerves, patients may experience:
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Muscle weakness
- Pain that worsens with certain movements
A herniated disc in the lower back may cause sciatica, which can produce pain traveling from the lower back into the buttock and leg.
When to seek treatment: Persistent radiating pain, numbness, or weakness warrants medical evaluation. New or progressive weakness should be assessed promptly.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis develops when spaces within the spine narrow, potentially placing pressure on surrounding nerves.
It is more common in older adults and may be associated with arthritis and age-related spinal changes.
Symptoms often include leg pain, tingling, or weakness that worsens when standing or walking. Some patients find relief when sitting or leaning forward.
When to seek treatment: If walking short distances becomes uncomfortable or leg symptoms interfere with daily activities, consider scheduling an evaluation.
Arthritis of the Spine
Osteoarthritis can affect the small joints connecting the vertebrae, known as facet joints.
Over time, cartilage deterioration and joint inflammation may contribute to chronic back pain.
Common symptoms include morning stiffness, discomfort when twisting or extending the back, and reduced flexibility.
Treatment may include physical therapy, activity modifications, medications, or targeted injections when appropriate.
When to seek treatment: If stiffness and pain progressively worsen or prevent you from enjoying normal activities, a rehabilitation specialist can help identify treatment options.
Muscle Strain and Myofascial Pain
Not all chronic back pain originates from the spine itself.
Repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, poor lifting mechanics, and muscle imbalances can contribute to persistent muscle-related pain.
Myofascial pain may involve sensitive areas of muscle called trigger points, which can produce localized or referred discomfort.
Symptoms may include muscle tightness, aching, tenderness, and pain during movement.
When to seek treatment: If muscle pain repeatedly returns despite home care, a comprehensive assessment may help identify contributing factors and guide rehabilitation.
When Should You See a Back Pain Specialist?
You do not need to wait three months before seeking medical attention.
Consider scheduling an appointment when back pain:
- Persists beyond a few weeks without improvement
- Interferes with sleep, work, or daily activities
- Travels into the arms or legs
- Causes recurring numbness or tingling
- Limits walking, bending, or standing
Seek immediate emergency care for new bladder or bowel control problems, numbness around the groin, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. Back pain accompanied by fever, major trauma, or unexplained weight loss also deserves prompt medical evaluation.
Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatment in Tampa and Bradenton
Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatment in Tampa and Bradenton
At Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnostics, P.A., our physicians specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry.
Our providers include:
- Dr. Leigh Graziano, DO — Downtown Tampa: Specializes in interventional spine medicine and evaluation of spine-related and musculoskeletal pain.
- Dr. Natacha S. Falcon, DO — Bradenton: Board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with fellowship training in interventional spine care.
- Dr. Jonas Santos, DO — Bradenton: Double board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and interventional pain procedures.
- Dr. Benjamin Cooper — Bradenton: Part of our Bradenton rehabilitation team.
Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include rehabilitation therapy, medication management, diagnostic testing, or interventional procedures.
Our goal is to help you move more comfortably and improve your quality of life, whenever possible without surgery.
Schedule an Evaluation with our Tampa or Bradenton Physiatrist
If pain, weakness, numbness or mobility problems are interfering with your daily life, our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians can help identify the source of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnostics, P.A. provides physiatry and non-surgical rehabilitation care at our Downtown Tampa and Bradenton locations.
