Lower Back Pain

Why do I have lower back pain?

While lower back pain is a common side effect of trauma, like an automobile accident, it’s not the only cause. Sometimes lower back pain is only temporary, while other times, it’s long lasting. Either way, you need to get a diagnosis to see exactly what’s going on. You can have lower back pain for all kinds of reasons including:

• Soft tissue strains and sprains
• Improperly twisting while lifting
• Sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Bone deformities
• Bone fractures
• Infections
• Tumors
• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Bone spurs
• Pregnancy

What are the symptoms of lower back problems?

Generally, widespread lower back pain is the most common complaint when men and women have back issues. But you should also be aware of other concerning symptoms that can help your doctor better diagnose the cause of your lower back pain. For instance, you may feel:

• Pain relief after changing positions
• Sciatica pain down one leg
• Numbness or weakness in your legs
• Tingling in your lower back, buttocks, feet, or legs
• Chronic sharp, shooting, or dull pain in your lower back

How is lower back pain treated?

Your treatment plan is catered to your specific diagnosis and can include many types of treatment options. Lower back pain relief can include:

• Manual chiropractic adjustments
• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Prescription medication
• Steroid injections
• Cold laser therapy
• Electrical stimulation therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Biofeedback
• Massage therapy
• Rehabilitation

If your lower back pain pain stems from a more serious condition, like a fracture, herniated disc, or tumor, you might need surgery. Your physician lets you know exactly what’s going on after looking at your X-rays. Usually, surgery only is an option after you’ve tried other non-surgical treatments first, but haven’t found relief.

When should I see a doctor if have lower back pain?

Pain typically is a sign that something is off in your body. Ideally, you should make an appointment as soon as you have an injury, or start noticing pain in your back. You should make an appointment right away if your lower back pain:

• Causes you to miss work regularly
• Makes you miss out on social events
• Interrupts your sleep
• Makes sitting uncomfortable
• Interrupts your daily activities