Lower back pain is a common condition that can occur from time to time. It ranges from a dull ache to sharp sensations and may interfere with your daily activities. Mostly, the pain can develop as a result of overuse or minor injuries. However, it can also be a sign of other underlying health complications that might not be as easy to identify. To understand why you are experiencing lower back pain, you should seek expert medical attention. Caring providers at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine offer an accurate diagnosis of low back pain in Ramsey to evaluate the symptoms and pinpoint the problem’s cause. Here are the main causes of pain and how they can be treated.
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Muscle Strains and Sprains
Acute pain can be a result of overstretching or tearing of the ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Muscle sprains and sprains can also cause dull aches and discomfort in your hips. This can be caused by overuse and overexertion of the back muscles. Strains and sprains can be treated through proper stretching and physical therapy in more severe cases.
Pinched Nerve
This is an uncomfortable condition that can cause sharp pain, discomfort, or tingling in your back. When the pressure applied to a particular nerve from surrounding bones and muscles is too much, it interrupts the nerve function. This is why you experience pain, weakness, and numbness.
A pinched nerve can also be caused by old scar tissue from previous injuries, arthritis, stress, obesity, sports, and repetitive movements.
The pain is usually acute, with no permanent damage if treated accurately. However, if the excess pressure is persistent, the problem can become chronic and increase nerve damage risks.
Treatments for pinched nerves include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery for severe cases.
Herniated Disk
This is a condition where the jelly in your spinal disk is pushed out, causing the nearby nerves to become irritated. This often causes pain and numbness.
A herniated disc can be treated through muscle relaxers and prescription drugs that reduce pain. If your symptoms worsen, physical therapy or surgery may be recommended, depending on the condition’s severity.
Arthritis
This is an inflammation of joints and is one of the common causes of lower back pain. It occurs mostly due to the natural aging process, causing gradual wear and tear of your body. Besides pain, arthritis also causes stiffness, decreased range of motion, and numbness.
Several treatments for arthritis focus on improving mobility and relieving the symptoms. They include anti-inflammatory medications, antirheumatic drugs, physical therapy, and surgery for severe cases.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint connects your sacrum, hip bone, and the bone between the tailbone and the lumbar spine. When injured or strained, the joint can cause pain in your back, hip, and groin area.
Some treatments recommended to restore normal motion in the joint and relieve pain include rest, hot or cold compresses, and pain medications.
Other causes of lower back pain include injuries, accidents, cancer, and meningitis.
More treatment options for back pain include:
- Botox injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Osteopathic manipulation treatment
- Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture
If lower back pain is interfering with your daily life, it is time to seek medical attention. Several treatment options can improve your body’s natural healing ability, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. You can contact Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine to learn more.