Over 80% of people experience an episode of low back pain some time in their lives. It is the main reason for disability and missed work. Most cases resolve within 6 weeks, but for some, the condition is chronic.
Common causes for low back pain are:
- Previous injury
- Strains and sprains
- Intervertebral disc degeneration
- Herniated or ruptured disks
- Compression and inflammation of a nerve root
- Poor core strength
- Pinched nerves
- Spinal Stenosis
- Osteoarthritis
Most cases of low back pain are mechanical, and in many cases, caused by a general wear and tear that occurs in the joints, bones, or disks as people age.
Sub -acute back pain is pain that lasts less than 12 weeks. Back pain that lasts 12 weeks or longer is called chronic back pain.
The cause of low back pain can be hard to determine. Your doctor may use the following diagnostic testing to determine the cause:
- X-ray
- CT Scan (Computerized tomography)
- Myelograms
- Discography
- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
- Electrodiagnostics (Nerve Study)
- Bone Scan
- Ultrasound imaging
- Blood Tests
Treatment plans can vary, but you might be a candidate for a variety of therapies and treatments to help alleviate low back pain.
Examples of treatment include:
- Directing home use of hot or cold packs
- Trigger Point Injections
- Strengthening exercises
- Physical Therapy
- Medications
- Spinal Manipulation
- Traction
- Nerve block therapies
- Epidural injections
- Neurotomy