Low back pain is discomfort in the bottom part of your back, near the lumbar region. The pain can be sharp and sudden or dull and chronic.

Low Back Pain Is Common

About 80% of people in the US have low back pain at some point.

Long-Term Effects
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work or go to a doctor. It has been linked to other health issues like obesity, bad posture, depression, and nerve damage.

Causes

There are many things that can cause low back pain. The most common include:

Muscle Strain

This can happen if you lift something heavy, or if you lift something the wrong way or without the right support.

Poor Posture

Sitting or standing in a hunched over position for a long time can cause back pain.

Herniated Discs

When the soft discs between the vertebrae in your spine slip out of place, they can put pressure on nerves, causing pain.

Degenerative Conditions

Painful conditions like arthritis or spinal stenosis happen when the spine wears down over time.

Injuries

Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause fractures, strains, or sprains in the lower back.

Lack of Activity

If you sit a lot and don’t exercise, the muscles that support your spine can become weak, causing back pain.

symptoms

The symptoms of low back pain can be different depending on what’s causing it.

Pain

A dull ache or sharp pain that might feel like stabbing in your lower back

Muscle Stiffness

Trouble moving or bending bend because of tight muscles

Weakness

Weakness in the legs or feet if nerve compression is a factor

Numbness or Tingling

Feeling weak or losing feeling, especially in the legs or feet

Limited Mobility

Trouble moving around or doing daily activities

Posture Changes

Difficulty standing upright

DiagnosIs

Diagnosing low back pain usually involves a combination of physical exam, imaging tests, and/or other diagnostic tests.

Physical Exam
Your provider will ask about the pain (how long you have had it, what may have started it, intensity, etc.). You may also have your range of motion, posture, and reflexes tested.
Imaging
Imaging tests help provide a clearer picture of what is going on structurally inside your body. X-rays can identify arthritis or issues with bones that may be causing low back pain. CT scans provide much more detailed imaging of bones and tissues. MRIs are used to evaluate soft tissues, such as discs, ligaments, and nerves.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be ordered to rule out inflammatory conditions.
Nerve Studies
These tests examine the electrical impulses traveling through your nerves. This helps detect areas that have nerve damage.

Treatment

Most cases of low back pain can be treated without surgery. Here’s how it can be managed.

Medications

Over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol or Advil can help with mild to moderate pain. In some cases, stronger medications may be prescribed.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen the muscles in your back. This can improve your posture and ease pain.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors can realign the spine to reduce pressure on nerves.

Heat or Ice Therapy

Reducing activities that make your pain worse can help you heal. While resting, Putting a heating pad or cold pack on your lower back can help with swelling and pain.

Cortisone Shots

A shot of an anti-inflammatory medication (called corticosteroid) in your lower back can reduce pain and swelling. The relief can last for weeks or even months.

Ablation

With this procedure, heat (usually from a special needle or laser) is used to “burn” the nerve that’s causing your pain. This treatment is usually used for people with long-lasting pain who haven’t felt better with other treatments.

If you have a more serious problem like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis that doesn’t get better with other treatments, you may need surgery.

How We Can Help

If your low back pain lasts more than a week or two, or if it’s severe, reach out to your primary care provider. During your visit, your provider will perform a physical exam to help figure out what’s causing your pain.

Depending on what is found, your provider may prescribe medications or refer you to a physical therapist, chiropractor, or other specialist. In that case, the care team will work together to coordinate your treatment plan and make sure you’re getting the relief you need.

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