Back Pain Specialist

Houtan A. Taba, MD -  - Orthopedic Surgeon

Houtan A. Taba, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon & Spine Surgeon located in Houston, TX & Pearland, TX

Eight out of 10 adults in the United States experience back pain at some point in life. In most cases, back pain resolves without leaving behind any residual effects. However, for some, back pain is chronic and debilitating. Houtan Taba, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with offices in the Texas Medical Center area of Houston and Pearland, Texas, who specializes in the treatment of back pain. He offers many options to help you get relief, including minimally invasive surgery when needed. To schedule an appointment, call the office most convenient to you or request an appointment using the online tool.

Back Pain Q&A

What is back pain?

Back pain generally refers to lower back pain and includes any discomfort you experience from the bottom of your ribs to the top of your buttocks. 

Back pain is common and most often develops from a mechanical issue related to one of the many components that make up your back, such as your muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, intervertebral discs, or nerves.

The type of pain you experience may vary depending on the underlying cause, ranging from a mild ache to debilitating pain that makes it difficult to get out of bed. In most cases, back pain resolves on its own in three weeks or less with at-home care.

However, if your back pain is severe or isn’t getting better, contact Dr. Taba for an evaluation. 

What causes back pain?

Back pain develops from many causes. The most common include:

  • Strains and sprains
  • Herniated discs
  • Arthritis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Sciatica
  • Fractures
  • Skeletal irregularities

Though you may develop back pain after an injury, in many cases back pain is caused by the degenerative changes that occur in your spine as you get older. These changes may pinch or compress your spinal canal or nerves, leaving you in pain.

What can I expect during a back pain evaluation?

Dr. Taba is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spine health, and you can expect a comprehensive evaluation when you come to the office looking for solutions for your back pain. 

During your exam, Dr. Taba asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, family history, occupation, and lifestyle habits, and then performs a physical. 

To pinpoint the cause of your back pain, he may request diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. 

How is back pain treated?

Dr. Taba develops individualized, well-rounded treatment plans to help you get relief from your back pain. Though an experienced surgeon, Dr. Taba always takes a nonoperative approach first and may recommend:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy
  • Regular exercise
  • Weight loss
  • Activity modification
  • Injections

If nonoperative treatments fail to improve your back pain, Dr. Taba may suggest surgical intervention. He performs many procedures unique to him, including minimally invasive spine surgery, laminoplasty, cervical disc replacement, and lateral lumbar fusion. 

To learn more about the many treatment options for your back pain, contact the office of Houtan Taba, MD, by phone or online today.