Low Back Pain

Introduction to Low Back Pain

Low back pain can come in a variety of forms. Pain in the lumbar (waist) area of the back can be described as sharp, sudden, dull, or constant.

The spine is made up of vertebrae (bones), cartilaginous cushions known as discs, and nerve roots; any of these components can be the source of pain. The pain can result from a sudden injury or from gradual wear with age and repetitive strain.

Symptoms of a Low Back Pain

herniated discYou may feel a variety of symptoms if you’ve hurt your back. You may have a tingling or burning sensation, a dull aching, or sharp pain. You also may experience weakness in your legs or feet.

It won’t necessarily be one event that actually causes your pain. You may have been doing many things improperly — like standing, sitting, or lifting — for a long time. Then suddenly, one simple movement, like reaching for something in the shower or bending from your waist, leads to the feeling of pain.

Most back problems will get better on their own. The key is to know when you need to seek medical help and when self-care measures alone will allow you to get better.

Low back pain may be acute (short-term), lasting less than one month, or chronic (long-term, continuous, ongoing), lasting longer than three months. While getting acute back pain more than once is common, continuous long-term pain is not. Common causes of low back pain are herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.

Treatment Options for Low Back Pain

Most low back pain is not serious and can be treated safely and effectively by non-surgical methods. Depending on your condition, you may be referred to a physiatrist, a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, for non-surgical treatment. You may be asked to modify your activities for a short time period. It is likely however, that proper exercise will be encouraged because studies show that activity contributes to recovery.

Pain medication may be prescribed to help relieve pain. Once improvement is shown, a rehabilitation program may be prescribed to build muscle strength. You will also be instructed on posture, proper lifting and preventing further injuries.

Some conditions do not respond to non-surgical treatment. Surgical procedures may be indicated to relieve irritation or compression of the spinal nerves. The surgeon may remove part of the bony vertebrae (laminectomy/laminotomy), part of the damaged disc (discectomy) or both. For patients with instability, a fusion may be performed.