Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG / McALLEN, Texas – Back pain is the most common pain condition reported by Americans, affecting nearly 65 million U.S. adults annually, with an estimated 16 million living with chronic symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Its growing prevalence is largely driven by an aging population, rising obesity rates and more sedentary lifestyles.
“Back pain is no longer just an issue associated with aging,” said Sohum Desai, MD, FAANS, a neurosurgeon with Cornerstone Regional Hospital. “Today, factors like prolonged sitting, reduced physical activity and excess weight are contributing to a rise in spinal problems across nearly every age group.”
Whether it stems from a muscle strain, a spinal condition or an underlying disease, chronic back pain affects far more than the body.
This condition can restrict daily activities, interfere with sleep and substantially increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
“Chronic back pain doesn’t just affect how you move; it can affect how you feel,” said Dr. Desai. “Patients often experience frustration, anxiety and poor sleep, all of which can intensify pain and negatively affect their quality of life.”
Fortunately, early intervention can help prevent chronic back pain from leading to long-term physical limitations, muscle deconditioning and mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.
Seeking care at the first signs of persistent pain can help address underlying spinal issues before they progress and significantly impact quality of life.
Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, pain management techniques and, in some cases, minimally invasive or surgical procedures.
“The earlier we identify and treat the source of back pain, the better the opportunity to prevent long-term complications,” said Dr. Desai. “Prompt intervention can help patients maintain their mobility, avoid further degeneration and reduce the physical and emotional toll that chronic pain can take on everyday life. The wide range of available treatment options, from conservative therapies to advanced surgical techniques, may help patients find meaningful relief and return to the activities they enjoy.”
To raise awareness for one of the most common pain conditions affecting Americans, South Texas Health System (STHS) will focus the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on back pain and its far-reaching effects on physical and emotional well-being.
Airing Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO NBC 23, the 30-minute program will feature neurosurgeon Dr. Desai, who will share expert insights on the causes, risk factors and symptoms of back pain, while highlighting treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help viewers reduce pain, improve mobility and enhance their quality of life.
Additionally, STHS System Director of Marketing & Public Relations and “South Texas Healthy Living” host Tom Castañeda sits down with Nora Guerrero, a Donna native and longtime educator who was diagnosed with severe lumbar spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, after nearly three years of progressively debilitating back pain.
During the interview, Nora shares how chronic pain made it difficult to get out of bed, stand upright and carry out everyday activities. She also discusses how surgery and physical therapy helped restore her mobility and improve her quality of life and encourages others experiencing persistent back pain to seek care early and explore the treatment options available to help them find relief and regain their independence.
The episode will also feature a healthy cooking segment with Patrick Woodin, Director of Dietary & Nutrition Services at STHS McAllen, who will highlight foods that support overall musculoskeletal health, along with an exercise demonstration led by a member of the STHS Edinburg Outpatient Rehabilitation Center team.
Together, these segments will provide viewers with practical tools and lifestyle strategies to help manage back pain, improve mobility and support long-term well-being.
“Chronic back pain is more than an inconvenience. It can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their ability to work and stay active to their emotional well-being,” said Castañeda. “The good news is that early intervention can help prevent long-term complications, reduce the risk of depression and preserve mobility and independence. Through education and awareness, we can empower people to recognize the signs of chronic back pain, seek appropriate care and explore the treatment options available to them. By taking a proactive approach to spine health, individuals can improve their quality of life and continue doing the activities they enjoy. At STHS, it’s all about helping our communities get healthy and stay healthy together.”
To learn more about back pain, tune in to the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on Sunday, August 30, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO NBC 23, with an encore airing on Sunday, September 6, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO NBC 23.
To watch previous episodes of “South Texas Healthy Living” and the system’s South Texas Health Updates, one-minute videos offering education on a variety of health topics, visit South Texas Health System’s Medical Minute page on ValleyCentral.com.
