Low Back Pain
Over 80% of people experience an episode of low back pain
Over 80% of people experience an episode of low back pain some time in their lives. It is the #1 reason for disability and missed work. Most cases resolve within 6 weeks, but for some, the condition is chronic.
Common causes for low back pain are:
- Previous injury
- Strains and sprains
- Intervertebral disc degeneration
- Herniated or ruptured disks
- Compression and inflammation of a nerve root
- Poor core strength
- Pinched nerves
- Spinal Stenosis
- Osteoarthritis
Most cases of low back pain are mechanical, and in many cases, caused by a general wear and tear that occurs in the joints, bones, or disks as people age. Sub -acute back pain is pain that lasts less than 12 weeks. Back pain that lasts 12 weeks or longer is called chronic back pain.
The cause of low back pain can be hard to determine. Your doctor may use the following diagnostic testing to determine the cause:
- X-ray CT Scan (Computerized tomography)
- Myelograms Discography
- Electrodiagnostics (Nerve Study)
- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
- Bone Scan
- Ultrasound imaging
- Blood Tests
Examples of treatment your physician may use are:
- Directing home use of hot or cold packs
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Strengthening exercises
- Physical Therapy
- Medications
- Spinal Manipulation
- Traction
- Nerve block therapies
- Epidural injections
- Biofeedback therapy
- Electrical Nerve Stimulation
- Trigger Point Injections