Back pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care in the United States. Nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain, and more than 16 million live with chronic or persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life. In McAllen and across the Rio Grande Valley, many patients notice that their back pain becomes more pronounced during the cooler winter months.

This seasonal pattern is not accidental. Colder temperatures can cause muscles and connective tissues to tighten, limiting flexibility and reducing blood flow around the spine. For individuals already dealing with spinal conditions, this stiffness often intensifies pain, reduces mobility, and aggravates nerve irritation. Understanding why your back hurts and what’s making it worse, is the first step toward lasting relief.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain rarely has a single cause. In most cases, it develops from a combination of structural issues, movement patterns, and nerve involvement. Below are some of the most frequent contributors seen in patients throughout McAllen and Mission.

Disc-related conditions are a leading source of spinal pain

Herniated or bulging discs occur when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes outward through its tougher exterior. This can place pressure on nearby nerves, leading to localized pain or symptoms that radiate into the hips, legs, or feet.

Postural strain often builds silently over time

Long hours of sitting, repetitive movements, improper lifting, and frequent phone or computer use can overload spinal muscles. These habits create imbalances that gradually lead to stiffness, inflammation, and chronic discomfort.

Nerve compression frequently explains radiating pain

Conditions such as sciatica or spinal stenosis involve compression of spinal nerves. Patients may experience sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels into the arms or legs rather than staying confined to the back.

Pinpointing the underlying cause matters. Treatments that help muscular strain may offer little relief for nerve compression or disc damage. A thorough evaluation by a pain specialist allows treatment to target the source, not just the symptom, of back pain.

7 Proven Interventional Options for Back Pain Relief in McAllen

When back pain persists or worsens, interventional care can provide relief that conservative measures cannot. Altus Spine & Joint Pain Care offers advanced, minimally invasive options designed to reduce pain, restore movement, and help patients avoid unnecessary surgery.

Below are seven clinically proven approaches commonly used in McAllen to address chronic and winter-related back pain.

Targeted injection therapies reduce inflammation at the source

• 1. Epidural Steroid Injections
  These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding spinal nerves. They are commonly used for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica, helping decrease swelling and nerve irritation for sustained relief.
• 2. Transforaminal Injections
  This specialized injection targets the exact nerve root causing pain as it exits the spine. By placing medication with precision, transforaminal injections are particularly effective for radiating leg or arm pain related to nerve compression.

Nerve-focused treatments interrupt pain signaling

• 3. Nerve Blocks
  Nerve blocks temporarily interrupt pain signals traveling from irritated nerves to the brain. They can provide rapid relief while also helping physicians confirm the source of pain. These injections are often used as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
• 4. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
  RFA uses controlled heat to disrupt specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This outpatient procedure is especially effective in providing back pain relief for arthritis-related pain, can provide relief lasting six to twelve months.

Advanced technologies address persistent pain

• 5. Spinal Cord Stimulation
  For patients with chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments, spinal cord stimulation may be an option. A small implanted device delivers mild electrical impulses that interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, helping reduce pain and improve daily function.

Regenerative options promote natural healing

• 6. Regenexx® Regenerative Treatments
  Regenexx procedures use the body’s own healing cells, such as bone marrow concentrate and platelet-rich plasma, to support repair of damaged spinal tissues. These non-surgical options are designed to promote healing rather than mask symptoms, making them an alternative for select patients with disc or joint damage.

Movement remains an essential part of recovery

• 7. Therapeutic Exercise Programs
  Structured, condition-specific exercise helps stabilize the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce flare-ups. Even during cooler McAllen winters, guided movement, such as walking, controlled stretching, or indoor aquatic therapy, supports long-term pain management.

Each of these treatments serves a different purpose. The most effective plan depends on diagnosis, pain severity, medical history, and lifestyle factors. A pain specialist can help determine which treatment, or combination of treatments, offers the best chance for meaningful relief.

When Winter Back Pain Signals the Need for Specialist Care

Mild back discomfort can often be managed at home. However, winter-related flare-ups sometimes reveal underlying conditions that require medical attention. Knowing when to seek interventional care can prevent long-term damage and worsening symptoms.

Signs it’s time to see a specialist for back pain relief

• Pain that persists despite home care
  If heat, stretching, or over-the-counter medications no longer help or symptoms continue to worsen, it may indicate inflammation or nerve involvement that requires targeted treatment.
• Neurological symptoms in the legs or arms
  Numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness often signal nerve compression. These symptoms should be evaluated promptly to avoid permanent nerve damage.
• Difficulty completing daily activities
  Back pain that interferes with work, exercise, or basic tasks is not something to “push through.” It is a leading cause of work limitations among adults aged 18–64.
• Sleep disruption or declining quality of life
  Chronic pain that affects sleep, mood, or overall well-being should be addressed early. Untreated pain can lead to emotional strain and reduced physical resilience.

Finding Expert Back Pain Relief in McAllen: What Comes Next

When conservative measures are no longer enough, early evaluation by a pain specialist can improve outcomes and reduce the need for more invasive procedures later. The Rio Grande Valley is home to advanced pain management resources that combine experience with modern interventional techniques.

A personalized treatment plan may include:

• Minimally invasive injection therapies
  Such as epidural steroid injections that deliver medication directly to inflamed spinal structures.
• Advanced interventional procedures
  Including radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and nerve blocks that address the root cause of pain rather than relying on long-term medication.
• Regenerative medicine options
  Such as PRP or stem cell-based therapies that support tissue repair and long-term recovery.

For McAllen residents, Altus Spine & Joint Pain Care offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment backed by more than 20 years of clinical experience. Care is focused on accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and helping patients regain function, not just temporary relief.

Take the Next Step Toward Back Pain Relief

Living with back pain doesn’t have to be your normal. At Altus Spine & Joint Pain Care, patients have access to minimally invasive treatments, advanced regenerative options, and personalized care plans designed to address the source of pain and provide long-lasting back pain relief.

If back pain is limiting your movement, sleep, or quality of life, especially during colder months, now is the time to act. Call Altus Spine & Joint Pain Care or schedule a consultation to explore treatment options tailored to your condition and goals. Relief starts with the right diagnosis and the right team.