Do you have low back pain?

Back Pain is a very common ailment that can range from pesky to debilitating.  It is estimated that almost everyone will suffer from low back pain at some point in their life.  Sometimes referred to as lumbago or lumbar/sacral pain, low back pain can be brought on by a precipitating event (like a sports injury or an accident), or may come on more gradually.  In either case, when low back pain persists for over 3 months, it is considered chronic.

There are many potential causes for low back pain, and seeing a doctor for a thorough evaluation is often necessary to determine the right diagnosis.

At Optimum Wellness, we have been evaluating, diagnosing, and treating low back pain for over 30 years.  When you meet with one of our medical providers, they will first take a detailed history your pain.  Knowing the timeframe, any exacerbating factors, date-coincident events, or what you suspect might have caused it, can be helpful.  It’s also helpful if you can describe your pain (electric, burning, throbbing) and if it radiates to other areas.

First and foremost, if you have any alarming symptoms—like rapidly progressive leg weakness or numbness, bowel or bladder incontinence, or other health conditions like a weak immune system or a history of cancer—you should seek medical attention urgent

Most Common Causes Musculoskeletal

While the possible causes for low back pain are extensive, the most common causes are musculoskeletal.  Musculoskeletal back pain is related to issues with the muscles, bones, or ligaments of the area, and is often due to a sudden event, such as heavy lifting, a fall, or a sports injury.   These events may cause tears to the muscle or ligaments in the area.  These tears, or strains, cause inflammation that the body perceives as pain.  At Optimum Wellness we specialize in regenerative injection treatments like Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma which help reinvigorate and stimulate healing in damaged muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

 

Long Term Issues

Chronic low back pain can also be related to long-term issues with posture, deconditioning,  and associated muscle weakness or tightness.  In these cases a good physical therapist or exercise routine can begin to correct alignment, and strengthen and stretch weakened or tight areas. Our physicians can evaluate your posture and determine if a referral to physical therapy or a specialized exercise routine is a good option for you.

 

 

Arthritis

Another cause of low back pain is arthritis.  Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, in this case either “intervertebral” or “sacroiliac.” While there are pharmacologic treatments for inflammation, like ibuprofen, we can recommend natural solutions and supplements to help reduce inflammation and preserve joint function and cartilage.  

Discs

Yet another cause of low back pain is related to the “discs.”  In between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc that acts like a little cushy pillow protecting the bones and allowing space for the spinal nerves to exit.  If you have an accident, or put a lot of strain on your back you can force this disc out of place.  This is referred to as a herniated disc.  A herniated disc can put pressure on a nerve, causing a potentially severe and electric nerve pain.  Herniated discs can require surgery, but for less severe cases we offer various treatment options that can help revitalize disc function, stabilize vertebrae and keep herniations from getting worse.

Getting the Correct Diagnosis

Above all, handling your low back pain requires a proper diagnosis.  At Optimum Wellness we will work with you to get the detailed symptoms, events and history of your pain, perform an exam, and order any imaging that is required to make the diagnosis.    We will then thoroughly go over your treatment options, from the traditional to the alternative, so that you can make the best decision for your body, and put your low back pain behind you!

Call us to set up your consultation today!!
818-547-5400

Dr. Keller Wortham