Lower back pain is very common, and everyone is bound to experience it at least once in their lives. Many people live with chronic lower back pain. It is one of the top reasons why patients make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.
Anyone with lower back pain naturally wants to know what is causing the pain and if there is any solution for it. There are bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back that could be inflamed or injured, or degenerating. Doctors often consider all possible underlying causes of lower back pain. In this article, we will talk about the most common conditions that have lower back pain as a symptom and how they are typically treated.
Conditions That Cause Back Pain
The lower back could be caused by any of the following:
Muscle Strain
The muscles in the lower back can become strained as a result of overuse or overexertion, which causes stretching or tearing in the muscle. Common causes of a lower back strain are repetitive motions, heavy lifting, a sudden forceful impact, poor posture, weak abdominal muscles, and starting a new activity without first making sure that you are in the right condition for it. Muscle strains usually respond to the RICE method, physical therapy, and activity modification.
Lumbar Disc Problems
The discs that serve as cushions between vertebrae in the lumbar region can bulge or become herniated, which results in the spinal bones losing their cushioning, causing pain and inflammation that worsens with activity. Causes of degenerated discs are aging and traumatic injury. Treating lumbar disc degeneration is comprehensive and may include bed rest, learning proper biomechanics, physical therapy, and lifestyle intervention. Surgery, such as fusion surgery, may be recommended in severe cases to stabilize the vertebra, prevent movement, and ease lower back pain.
Pinched Nerves
As a result of disc problems, the surrounding nerves can become irritated or inflamed. If the disc is pressing on a nerve, surgery may be recommended. The sciatic nerve, which is the longest in the body, is one of the most commonly pinched nerves by a herniated disc. Common surgical procedures used to treat it are discectomy, where part of the herniated disc is removed to relieve pressure on the nerve, and laminectomy, which involves the removal of part or all of the lamina – the back part of a vertebra. Doctors conduct nerve tests and diagnostic imaging to find out which nerves are being irritated by the disc.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Catonsville, Columbia, Eldersburg, and Fulton, MD
Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland is a full-service orthopedic practice, catering to patients with a range of orthopedic conditions, including lower back pain. We have board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons on staff who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems of the spine for patients with degenerative disc disease and pinched nerve conditions.
For relief from lower back pain, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Call our office today at (410) 644-1880 or use our convenient appointment request form.
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