Persistent Back Pain Causes and Care Options in Arlington, TX

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Persistent Back Pain Causes and Care Options in Arlington, TX

If you’ve been experiencing back pain that comes and goes over the past few months — especially lingering discomfort after long periods of standing — you’re not alone. Many people experience persistent lower back pain that may not be severe enough to stop daily activities but is still uncomfortable and concerning. It’s understandable to want to find out what might be causing this discomfort and what you can do about it.

This post is designed to help guide you in understanding some common causes of persistent back pain, what types of medical providers can help you, and what initial visits and procedures might cost if you’re seeking care in Arlington, TX. We want you to feel informed and empowered as you take the important next step: consulting a healthcare professional. You’re in the right place to learn what to expect and how to move forward.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

Based on your symptoms of persistent lower back discomfort, several types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including back pain. They’re often the first stop for initial evaluation and can guide you toward specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Focuses on adult patients and can help manage chronic conditions and investigate potential causes of back pain through exams and tests.
  • Orthopedic Surgeon: Specializes in bones, joints, and muscles. They can diagnose structural causes of back pain and offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments.
  • Pain Management Specialist: Focuses on treatments to reduce pain and improve quality of life, especially if your pain is chronic or complex.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatrist): Specializes in non-surgical treatments to improve movement and reduce pain, often using therapies like injections and physical therapy.

Each of these providers has different approaches and expertise, so choosing one depends on your specific needs and how your symptoms develop.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical visits and procedures you might encounter with these providers in Arlington, along with estimated self-pay costs. These costs reflect what you might pay out-of-pocket if you do not use insurance.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose:
    This is a standard medical visit where the doctor will review your symptoms, examine you, and discuss your health history. It helps identify possible causes of your back pain and plan next steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.68 (typically ranges from $143.76 to $239.60)
    This estimate is based on 502 providers in Arlington.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose:
    An X-ray helps visualize bones in your lower back to check for fractures, alignment problems, or arthritis that might be causing pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $72.80 (typically ranges from $40.97 to $104.64)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of lower or sacral spine facet joint using imaging guidance, single level (CPT Code: 64493)
    Purpose:
    Used to reduce inflammation and pain in specific joints of your lower spine, often to confirm the source of pain and provide relief.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $517.70 (typically ranges from $232.20 to $803.20)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose:
    A thorough medical evaluation for adults, focusing on diagnosing causes of your back pain, especially if you have other health concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (typically ranges from $143.90 to $239.84)
    This estimate is based on 364 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose:
    See the bones in your lower back for abnormalities or degeneration.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $60.67 (typically ranges from $35.70 to $85.64)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose:
    A simple blood test to check for signs of infection or inflammation that might relate to your pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.74 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $18.37)
    This estimate is based on 45 providers.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
    Purpose:
    Focused evaluation on your musculoskeletal system to diagnose structural causes of your back pain and consider treatment options.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $139.97 (typically ranges from $104.98 to $174.96)
    This estimate is based on 133 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose:
    Assess bone and joint integrity in your lower back.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $63.41 (typically ranges from $46.38 to $80.43)
    This estimate is based on 24 providers.

Visit with a Pain Management Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose:
    Evaluation focused on managing and reducing your back pain with medical and procedural options.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $226.16 (typically ranges from $144.35 to $307.98)
    This estimate is based on 32 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, minimum 4 views (CPT Code: 72110)
    Purpose:
    Detailed imaging to evaluate the spine more thoroughly.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $89.78 (typically ranges from $61.15 to $118.40)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of lower or sacral spine facet joint using imaging guidance, single level (CPT Code: 64493)
    Purpose:
    Targeted injection to relieve inflammation and pain, confirming pain sources and offering treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $619.50 (typically ranges from $193.16 to $1045.83)
    This estimate is based on 24 providers.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose:
    Assessment focused on improving function and reducing pain through rehabilitative methods.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $187.09 (typically ranges from $140.32 to $233.86)
    This estimate is based on 54 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid drug into sacral spine nerve root using imaging guidance, single level (CPT Code: 64483)
    Purpose:
    Injection to reduce nerve-related pain and inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $545.72 (typically ranges from $223.14 to $868.30)
    This estimate is based on 18 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in America can feel a bit like haggling in a market — the “price tag” you see isn’t always the price you’ll actually pay. The costs listed here are estimates based on what providers have charged in Arlington, but your bill may vary depending on the provider, your payment method, and negotiations.

  • The maximum cost in these ranges is usually slightly below the full “charged amount” or the sticker price set by the provider.
  • The minimum cost is often near or just above the amount Medicare has negotiated and is willing to pay for the procedure. At this price, providers may be breaking even or sometimes losing money but it reflects a more affordable baseline.

Knowing these ranges helps you anticipate what might be fair and reasonable, so you can better discuss costs upfront.

Know Your Rights

Under federal law, you have rights that protect you from unexpected medical charges:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you are paying out-of-pocket without insurance, providers must give you a written estimate of expected charges if you ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance. This helps you plan your finances.

  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask before your visit. You have the right to inquire: “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?”

  • You can request an itemized bill to see exactly what was charged. If you find duplicate or unreasonable charges, you can dispute them.

  • You may also ask for CPT codes and billing modifiers used on your bill to clarify what services were provided.

Many states have additional protections to prevent unfair medical billing, so don’t hesitate to know and exercise your rights.

Taking control of your health starts with professional guidance. Here’s what you can do now:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine physician, Orthopedic surgeon, Pain Management specialist, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist in Arlington, TX to start an evaluation.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, what makes the pain better or worse, and any questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about self-pay rates and confirm the estimated costs to avoid surprises.
  4. Stay Positive and Proactive: Seeking medical advice early is the best way to identify causes and find relief. You are doing the right thing for your health.

Need Help Navigating Your Options?

Finding affordable, trustworthy care can be confusing, especially if you’re uninsured or new to the system. That’s why we built Transparent Health: a tool to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your condition.