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Low Back Pain? Discover Your Options for Relief and Recovery

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common medical issues affecting people worldwide, impacting nearly 50-80% of adults at some point in their lives.

Written by

Angel Rigueras

Pain Management Specialist

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Written by

Angel Rigueras

Pain Management Specialist

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Table of content

Table of Content

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This pain typically occurs below the rib cage and above the gluteal folds (the lower back), sometimes radiating down to the legs. LBP can lead to limited physical activity, time away from work, and even financial strain due to medical expenses.

But low back pain doesn’t have to control your life. In this guide, we’ll break down the causes, explore the latest treatment options, and discuss practical steps for relief and recovery so you can get back to feeling your best and doing what you love. 

What Causes Low Back Pain?

LBP can be broadly classified into two categories: specific and nonspecific low back pain:

  1. Specific LBP arises from known causes, such as a spinal injury, herniated disk, or a condition affecting another organ.

    Causes could include:

    Spinal Issues: A herniated disk, spinal stenosis, fractures, infections, tumors, or conditions like axial spondyloarthritis.

    Nonspinal Causes: Issues with other parts of the body, like hip conditions, infections, diseases of the pelvic organs (e.g., endometriosis or prostatitis), or vascular disorders like an aortic aneurysm.

  2. Nonspecific LBP often doesn’t have a clear, identifiable cause and may result from a complex mix of biological, psychological, and social factors.

    Understanding where the pain comes from is essential for tailoring treatment.

    Common origins include:

    Mechanical Pain: Stemming from the muscles, ligaments, and bones of the spine.

    Neuropathic Pain: Arising from irritated or compressed nerves, sometimes causing pain to radiate down the leg (sciatica).

Key Risk Factors for Low Back Pain

Some people may be more at risk of developing LBP due to specific lifestyle factors and health conditions. Knowing these can help you manage your health better and seek early intervention.

  1. Age: LBP is common in young adults but can increase in severity with age, peaking around 60-65 years.

  2. Gender: Men and women are equally likely to experience LBP, but studies suggest women might report more severe pain.

  3. Education: Those with lower educational attainment may experience longer and more severe episodes of LBP.

  4. Social Status: A lower socioeconomic status is often associated with a higher prevalence of LBP.

  5. Weight: Higher body weight, especially obesity, is linked to a greater risk of LBP, particularly in women.

  6. Psychosocial Factors: Mental health plays a role in LBP risk. Stress, anxiety, and workplace dissatisfaction are all contributors.

  7. Occupational Factors: Jobs that require heavy lifting, bending, or twisting can contribute to back pain, as well as prolonged sitting without breaks.

Diagnosing Low Back Pain: What to Expect

When visiting a doctor for LBP, you can expect a few steps in the diagnosis process to help pinpoint the cause.

  1. Detailed History: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including any past injuries, chronic conditions, or lifestyle factors that might contribute to the pain. Red Flags: Some “red flags” may suggest a more serious condition, such as a history of cancer, recent trauma, or sudden weight loss. In these cases, further testing may be required.

  2. Physical Examination: Your doctor may perform specific tests, such as the straight-leg-raising test, which helps identify herniated disk symptoms. A thorough neurologic assessment will also look for signs of nerve involvement like weakness or decreased sensation.

  3. Screening Tools: Your doctor might use specialized questionnaires to help assess your risk of chronic pain or disability.

    – PICKUP Tool: Assesses factors like pain intensity and depressive symptoms to estimate chronic pain risk.

    – STarT Back Tool: Helps identify patients who might develop long-term disability from their back pain.

    – Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire: Useful in predicting potential work absenteeism due to pain.

Treatment Options for Low Back Pain

Treatment depends on whether your LBP is acute (short-term) or has become persistent over time. Generally, doctors recommend starting with nonpharmacologic treatments, then progressing to medication if necessary.

Nonpharmacologic Interventions:

These are often the first approaches and can be highly effective in managing LBP.

  1. Patient Education: Learning about LBP, its benign nature, and encouraging regular physical activity is essential. Research shows that understanding LBP can lower the number of doctor visits by helping patients feel more in control of their condition.

  2. Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Acupuncture: These can provide relief in acute LBP cases. However, their effectiveness may vary, with spinal manipulative therapy showing moderate results and acupuncture having less evidence.

  3. Heat and Massage Therapy: Both of these are safe and provide temporary relief, especially in cases of muscle tension.

  4. Exercise Therapy: While exercise may not help with immediate pain, it’s beneficial for long-term pain management and reducing recurrence, particularly in chronic cases.

Pharmacologic Interventions:

Medications can be added to manage more severe pain or cases where initial treatments haven’t worked.

  1. Acetaminophen: Once commonly used, studies now show it may not be effective for LBP relief.

  2. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs can be effective but should be used cautiously, especially in older adults or those with other health conditions. Topical NSAIDs can be a safer alternative but may not provide as much relief.

  3. Muscle Relaxants: These are sometimes effective for short-term relief of acute pain, particularly in the first two weeks.

  4. Opioids: Not generally recommended due to the risk of addiction, but weak opioids may be considered for specific, carefully selected patients.

Prevention and Lifestyle Changes for LBP

Preventing LBP involves small, consistent changes in lifestyle and daily habits. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Stay Active: Avoid prolonged bed rest. Remaining active can help with pain reduction and function improvement.

  2. Posture and Ergonomics: Ensuring proper posture and using ergonomic equipment at work can prevent strain on the back.

  3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess body weight relieves pressure on your spine and decreases LBP risk.

  4. Strengthen Core Muscles: A strong core can support your lower back and help reduce the risk of LBP. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling are beneficial.

  5. Stress Management: Consider relaxation techniques or activities that help reduce stress, as stress and anxiety are known to exacerbate pain perception.

When Surgery Becomes an Option

In certain cases, if non-surgical treatments fail to improve symptoms, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgery is typically reserved for individuals who:

  • Have severe, disabling pain that limits daily activities;

  • Show signs of nerve compression, like loss of bladder or bowel control;

  • Have specific conditions like a herniated disk or spinal stenosis.

Surgical Options for LBP

  • Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery for joint issues.

  • Spine Surgery: To address conditions directly affecting the vertebrae or nerves.

Our board-certified specialists at UOC are ready to provide you with all the assistance you need in case you require surgery.

Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive Treatments We Offer

At our clinic, we offer a range of non-surgical treatments aimed at reducing pain and restoring function:

In addition to these, we offer other specific treatments like Rhizotomy, Medication Management, Diagnostic Injections, Sacroiliac Joint Injections, MILD Procedure, Medial Branch Block, and Spinal Cord Stimulator Therapy for advanced cases.

Conclusion

Living with low back pain can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At University Orthopedic Care, we’re dedicated to providing relief through expert care tailored to your unique needs. Our team of specialists is committed to using the latest, most effective treatments to help you get back to the activities you enjoy without pain holding you back.

 

If you’re ready to take control of your lower back pain, we’re here to help. Schedule your consultation with one of our experienced physicians today by calling (866) 961-1744 or filling out our easy online appointment request form. Taking this step can make all the difference in your journey to lasting relief and recovery—we look forward to supporting you every step of the way!

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