Lower Back

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Conditions and Injuries to the Lower Back

The low back consists of 5 Lumbar vertebrae and a sacrum which are protected by various muscles ligaments and tendons. Whether you are a high level athlete or someone with an office job your low back is under constant strain. Over 80% of Americans experience some type of low back pain in their life and if left untreated it can progress to a chronic, debilitating condition.

The lumbar spine, or low back, is a remarkably well-engineered structure of interconnecting bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, and muscles all working together to provide support, strength, and flexibility. However, this complex structure also leaves the low back susceptible to injury and pain.

The low back supports the weight of the upper body and provides mobility for everyday motions such as bending and twisting. Muscles in the low back are responsible for flexing and rotating the hips while walking, as well as supporting the spinal column. Nerves in the low back supply sensation and power the muscles in the pelvis, legs, and feet.

Most acute low back pain results from injury to the muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs. The body also reacts to injury by mobilizing an inflammatory healing response. While inflammation sounds minor, it can cause severe pain.

There is a significant overlap of nerve supply to many of the discs, muscles, ligaments, and other spinal structures, and it can be difficult for the brain to accurately sense which is the cause of the pain. For example, a degenerated or torn lumbar disc can feel the same as a pulled muscle – both creating inflammation and painful muscle spasm in the same area. Muscles and ligaments heal rapidly, while a torn disc may or may not. The time course of pain helps determine the cause.

What Are The Common Causes of Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain is often caused by a torn or pulled muscle or ligament. This can occur after lifting a heavy object, a sudden movement, poor back posture, or a sports injury. A low back sprain or strain can happen suddenly, or can develop slowly over time from repetitive movements. While sprains and strains do not sound serious and do not typically cause long-lasting pain, the acute pain can be severe.

Most commonly, mechanical issues and soft-tissue injuries are the cause of low back pain. These injuries can include damage to the intervertebral discs, compression of nerve roots, and improper movement of the spinal joints.

The single most common cause of lower back pain is a torn or pulled muscle and/or ligament.

What Are The Common Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain?

Pain is considered chronic once it lasts for more than three months and exceeds the body’s natural healing process. Chronic pain in the low back often involves a disc problem, a joint problem, and/or an irritated nerve root.

Common causes include:

– Lumbar herniated disc
– Degenerative disc disease
– Facet joint dysfunction
– Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
– Spinal stenosis
– Spondylolisthesis
– Osteoarthritis
– Deformity
– Trauma
– Compression fracture

What Are The Common Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain?

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis that identifies the underlying cause of the pain, and doesn’t just correlate to the symptoms, is important in guiding treatment. As a foundation of the diagnostic process, the patient provides a detailed description of symptoms and medical history. From this information, a doctor will usually have a general idea of the source of the patient’s pain.

Common Conditions

Acute back pain
Chronic back pain
Bulging/herniated Discs
Spinal degenerations
Spinal stenosis
Radiculopathy
Spinal fusion
Sprains and strains
Sacroiliac dysfunction
Scoliosis
Sciatica
Osteoarthritis
Spondylosis / Spondylolisthesis

Treatments

Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

Non-Surgical Minimally Invasive Pain Management Treatment Options For Lower Back Pain

The goal of medical treatments is to reduce pain, but these treatments do not change the underlying source of pain. Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Doctor will typically prescribe medical treatments alongside a physical therapy program or other regimen.

Common medical treatments often include the combination of:

– Physical Therapy
– Interventional Pain Management
– Medication
– Massage / Manual Therapy
– Stretching
– Spinal Decompression
– Lumbar Traction

Benefits Of Treating Lower Back Injuries with Us.

Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance group of medical providers are trained in all orthopedic and neurological conditions.

Your Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance team of medical doctors, physical therapists and acupuncturists will take you through a comprehensive examination to assess the specifics of your injury and will educate you on pertinent evidence based findings. After your first appointment with our highly trained staff you will be on your way to increased functional and a full recovery.

Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance medical providers will work with every patient to customize the treatment program to ensure that all of your recovery goals are met. Physical therapy programs are continually reassessed to ensure that each patient is appropriately progressing in their recovery and are on track to achieve their goals. Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance integrate therapeutic techniques into your daily life and provide you with a roadmap to follow for optimal recovery.

Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance providers believe the path to recovery is an active process. We provide you with the tools you need, such as home exercise programs and treatment-related information, to ensure that you not only continue on the path to full recovery but to prevent any recurrence of pain. This creates a results driven attitude that not only accelerates your healing, but promotes a healthy lifestyle to prevent any future injury.