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Back Pain Specialist

Keith Schmidt, MD -  - Pain Management

Keith Schmidt, MD

Pain Management & Chronic Pain Specialist located in Hoffman Estates, IL & Carol Stream, IL

Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point in their life. However, about 20% of adults in the United States suffer from chronic back pain, which affects physical and mental well-being. At Ascension Comprehensive Pain Management Program, with offices in Hoffman Estates and Carol Stream, Illinois, triple board-certified interventional pain management specialist Keith Schmidt, MD, offers advanced treatments to help you get relief from your back pain. To schedule a consultation, call the office nearest you or book online today.

Back Pain Q & A

What causes back pain?

Back pain most often develops from a mechanical issue related to the structure or function of your back. The mechanical problem may develop after an acute injury or an underlying disease. 

Common causes of back pain include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Arthritis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated disc
  • Sciatica 
  • Vertebral compression fracture
  • Spinal deformity

You may also develop back pain from an infection or metastatic cancer, but these are less common. 

When should I seek medical help for my back pain?

Though most cases of back pain resolve over time with at-home care, you should seek medical attention if your back pain is severe, worsening, or chronic (lasting more than three months). 

Dr. Schmidt specializes in treating back pain and is well-versed in all modern interventional pain therapies. He’s built a reputation for being the doctor to see for pain relief when other doctors fail. 

What can I expect during a back pain consultation?

You can expect a thorough evaluation when you come in for a back pain consultation at Ascension Comprehensive Pain Management Program. During your exam, Dr. Schmidt reviews your symptoms and when they started. He also asks about your medical and treatment history.

Dr. Schmidt conducts a physical exam and may request tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis, including blood work, X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. 

How is back pain treated?

Dr. Schmidt offers many advanced treatments to help you get relief from your back pain. He develops personalized treatment plans based on the underlying cause of your pain.

Some of the innovative options he offers to help you get relief from your back pain include:

Epidural

An epidural is a pain injection that contains an anesthetic and sometimes a steroid. Dr. Schmidt administers the pain-relieving medication into the epidural space outside your spinal cord. The injection alleviates pain and reduces inflammation to provide long-term relief.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the nerve causing your back pain. 

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure Dr. Schmidt performs for the treatment of painful vertebral compression fractures.

Spinal cord stimulator

The spinal cord stimulator is a medical device Dr. Schmidt implants in your body. The device sends mild electrical impulses to the nerves in your spine, which disrupts the pain signal. 

Back pain can affect every aspect of your life. To get relief from your pain, contact Ascension Comprehensive Pain Management Program by phone or schedule an appointment online today.