What is lower back pain?
Lower back pain is discomfort, pressure, spasms, or other forms of pain that affect your spine’s lumbar region. Your lumbar spine includes the vertebrae and other structures in your lower back, including your tendons, ligaments, muscles, discs, and nerves. It has the critical role of stabilizing and supporting your upper body, so it is prone to wear-and-tear damage and acute injuries.
Thankfully, low back pain rarely comes from diseases and conditions that are difficult to treat. At Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists, Dr. Huffman evaluates your lower back pain to identify the source. Once he discovers the area of damage or degeneration, he devises a treatment plan to ease your pain.
What causes lower back pain?
There are many possible causes of low back pain, and Dr. Huffman can help you determine which is affecting you. Likely causes of the pain or discomfort in your lower back include:
- Muscle and ligament strains
- Sciatica
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Bladder and kidney problems
Dr. Huffman asks about your medical history and reviews the characteristics of your lower back pain. He might perform tests like X-rays or ultrasound imaging to view the bones and tissues. You might need to try several treatments before finding one that works well for you.
When should I book an appointment for my lower back pain?
Not all instances of lower back pain require a visit to your doctor. However, you should consider booking an appointment at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists if the pain:
- Appears after trauma or impact
- Causes numbness or muscle weakness
- Coincides with unexplained weight loss
- Is intense or prolonged
Dr. Huffman can help you find relief if your lower back pain inhibits you from performing your job duties or being comfortable every day.
What are my treatment options for lower back pain?
Lower back pain is typically easy to treat or manage over time. Dr. Huffman might recommend several simultaneous approaches to take for the relief of lower back pain. Your plan depends on the cause of your pain and certain lifestyle factors. Dr. Huffman asks about your medical history to ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective. It might include:
- Heat and ice therapy
- Pain relief medications
- Steroid injections
- Intrathecal drug delivery
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
Dr. Huffman might recommend surgical repairs for your lower back for lower back pain that does not respond to noninvasive treatments. He might recommend surgical repairs for your lower back, as well as losing weight and improving your general health to relieve inflammation and pain.
For more information about lower back pain and possible causes, call Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists, or book an appointment online today.
