Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. It can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time and may range from a mild ache to severe pain that interferes with sitting, standing, walking, sleeping and everyday activities.
Understanding the Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower portion of the spinal column and carries much of the body's weight. Its vertebrae, discs, joints, nerves, ligaments and muscles work together to provide support, flexibility and movement. Problems involving any of these structures can contribute to lower back pain.
Acute vs. Chronic Low Back Pain
Acute low back pain begins suddenly and often follows an injury, strain or unusual activity. Chronic low back pain persists for three months or longer. Recurrent or persistent symptoms may require further evaluation to identify the underlying source.
Low Back Pain Can Feel Different for Everyone
Symptoms depend on the underlying cause and whether nearby nerves are involved.
Common Symptoms May Include:
What Can Cause Low Back Pain?
Low back pain is a symptom rather than a single disease. The source may involve muscles, discs, spinal joints, nerves or degenerative conditions within the lumbar spine.
Muscle or Ligament Strain
Heavy lifting, sudden movement, repetitive activity or overuse can strain muscles and ligaments that support the lower back.
Herniated or Degenerated Disc
Lumbar discs may deteriorate or herniate and irritate nearby nerves, causing back pain and sometimes symptoms that travel into the leg.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing around the spinal nerves can cause lower back pain, leg discomfort, numbness or weakness, particularly while standing or walking.
Arthritis & Facet Pain
Degenerative arthritis can affect the small joints of the spine, leading to stiffness, inflammation and pain with movement.
Low Back Pain & Sciatica
When a lumbar nerve root becomes irritated or compressed, pain may travel beyond the lower back and into the buttock and leg.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica describes symptoms caused by irritation or compression involving nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve. Symptoms commonly travel from the lower back or buttock down one leg and may include burning, tingling, numbness or weakness.
Back Pain vs. Nerve Pain
Localized lumbar pain and nerve-related leg pain can occur together or separately. Identifying whether a nerve is involved is important because treatment for radicular pain may differ from treatment for muscle, joint or disc-related back pain.
How Low Back Pain Is Diagnosed
An evaluation begins with understanding how the pain started, where it travels, what makes it better or worse and whether neurological symptoms are present.
Your provider will review the onset, duration and pattern of pain along with injuries, medical conditions and daily activities.
Movement, tenderness, strength, reflexes, sensation and neurological function may be evaluated.
Imaging may identify fractures, arthritis, alignment changes or other bony abnormalities when clinically appropriate.
MRI provides detailed images of spinal discs, nerves and soft tissues and may help identify nerve compression or disc problems.
Treating Low Back Pain
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, duration of symptoms and whether the condition involves muscles, spinal joints, discs or nerves.
Physical Therapy
Targeted exercises may improve core strength, spinal mobility, flexibility and movement mechanics while helping reduce recurrent pain.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication, pain medication or muscle relaxants may be recommended when appropriate based on the patient's condition.
Spinal Injections
Epidural, facet joint or other image-guided injections may be considered when a specific spinal structure is contributing to persistent pain.
Surgical Evaluation
Surgery may be considered when significant structural problems or nerve compression cause severe or progressive symptoms that do not improve with appropriate conservative treatment.
Some Low Back Symptoms Require Urgent Medical Attention.
Seek prompt medical evaluation for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or saddle region, rapidly progressive leg weakness, severe pain following significant trauma, or back pain accompanied by fever or other concerning systemic symptoms. These signs may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Is Low Back Pain Limiting Your Daily Life?
Schedule a consultation to determine the source of your pain and discuss treatment options designed to help restore comfort and function.