Pain is the main enemy of freedom of movement. We take for granted our health and mobility for years until we face the cold reality of pain. There are 65 million Americans who report episodes of lower back pain every year. Living like that is unbearable in the long term; you deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin and have the opportunity to enjoy activities with your loved ones. Although treatment may include some home remedies and rest, consulting a specialist is crucial to uncover any underlying issues and decide on the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
Our pain management experts in Somerset, Monroe, Ewing, Englewood Cliffs, Jersey City, Hoboken, Bloomfield, Freehold, Clark, and Elizabeth, New Jersey; and Bayridge, Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Hempstead, New York, are committed to helping patients find relief and regain control of their everyday lives.
What is Lower Back Pain?
Also known as Lumbar pain, it is a discomfort that occurs between the lower edge of the ribs and the buttocks. It can last for a short time (acute), a bit longer (sub-acute), or even become long-lasting (chronic). These episodes of lower back pain can make it tough to move freely and go about your daily activities as you’d like. Because of this, it can also have an impact on mental well-being for those affected.
What Are the Symptoms of Lower Back Pain?
Strained muscles and sprained ligaments are among the top reasons for lower back pain, especially for those who are physically active. It’s important to be aware of this if you enjoy physical activities.
The Symptoms can range from a constant, dull ache to sharp or shooting sensations. You might feel the discomfort getting worse when you bend over or even while lying flat on your back. Sometimes, the pain can hit you out of nowhere, which is what we call “acute” pain.
When pain sticks around for more than 3 months, we refer to it as “chronic.” If your dull or sharp pain doesn’t start to feel better within 72 hours, it’s a great idea to reach out to a healthcare professional for some support.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
- Your Job. Many individuals who engage in physical activities like lifting, pulling, or any movement that involves twisting the spine often experience lumbar pain.
Additionally, those with sedentary jobs should be aware of the risks, particularly when using an unsuitable chair or tending to slouch at their desks. If that’s your case, we encourage you to move and do stretches for lower back pain.
- Your Backpack. The lower back bears the weight of the upper body. Hence, carrying a bag or backpack on your shoulders can strain your lumbar region.
- Exercise. Sticking to an exercise routine is definitely a great goal, but there are times when it’s easy to push ourselves a bit too hard. If you’re not checking in with fitness experts or getting some guidance, it’s important to keep in mind that you might put your lower back at risk for injury.
- A Herniated Disk. Herniated disks typically result in lumbar pain, making it essential to consult a specialist and receive appropriate treatment.
- Chronic Conditions. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, lumbar spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and more can contribute to your lumbar pain.
- Injuries. Strains, sprains, and fractures can also play a role in causing lumbar pain. Additionally, conditions like tumors on the spine, infections, and various types of cancer can have a significant impact on the health of your lower back.
How Can You Treat Lower Back Pain?
Some symptoms that happen alongside lower back pain can be warning signs of something more serious. That’s the reason why it’s so important to get diagnosed by specialists. So they can choose the most suitable pain management treatments for you, as well as offer suggestions for lifestyle changes that help minimize the pain.
Most instances of mild to moderate lower back pain improve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication. After a few days of rest, you should be able to resume your usual activities. Furthermore, stretches for lower back pain and maintaining activity can enhance blood circulation to the affected area and support recovery.
Other treatments for lumbar pain depend on the underlying cause, severity, and how long you’ve had pain.
Options for Lower Back Pain Treatment Include:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Prolotherapy (trigger point injections)
- Oral medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Narcotics, which might be prescribed in the short term for severe pain or used to help treat chronic pain related to cancer
- Exercise, stretches for lower back pain, and physical therapy
- Back braces
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Epidural injections
- Percutaneous discectomy
- Sacroiliac joint injections
- Facet joint injections
- Lipogems & BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate)
- Surgery (in some cases)
To find out which headache treatment is proper for you, call the University Pain and Spine Center office nearest you or request an appointment online today.