If you’re experiencing lower back pain, you’re not alone. According to the American Chiropractic Association, lower back pain affects up to 80% of adults at some point in their lives. At New Jersey Back Center, we see many patients who are seeking relief from this common problem. In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of lower back pain and discuss the minimally invasive treatment options we offer.
Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Injury: If you fell on your back or experienced trauma to your lower back, it’s possible that you have sustained an injury that is causing your pain.
- Muscle Strain: Overuse or overstretching of back muscles can cause them to become strained or sprained, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Herniated Discs: A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior. This can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain.
- Wear and Tear: As we age, the discs in our spines lose water content and become less flexible. This can lead to degenerative changes that can cause pain and stiffness.
- Arthritis: Different types of arthritis can cause back pain, including ankylosing spondylitis, which affects the spine, and osteoarthritis, which can affect the lower back.
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: The sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis. Dysfunction in this joint can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and thighs.
- Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects improperly can put strain on the muscles and soft tissues of the back, leading to pain.
Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain
At New Jersey Back Center, we offer a variety of minimally invasive treatment options for lower back pain. We believe in treating the root cause of the problem, rather than just masking the symptoms with medication. Here are some of the treatments we offer:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver steroid medication directly to the affected area of the spine, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief.
- Facet Joint Injections: Facet joints connect the vertebrae in the spine. These injections can provide relief from pain caused by arthritis or injury to these joints.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: This minimally invasive procedure uses radio waves to heat and destroy the nerves that transmit pain signals from the affected area of the spine.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: This treatment involves placing a small device under the skin that delivers electrical impulses to the nerves in the spine. This can block pain signals and provide relief from chronic pain.
- Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists work with patients to strengthen their muscles, improve their range of motion, and reduce their pain.
- Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help to relax tense muscles and reduce pain.
- Chiropractic Care: Our chiropractors use spinal adjustments to realign the spine.
Risk Factors for Lower Back Pain
Some factors that can increase your risk of developing lower back pain include:
- Aging: As we age, the discs in our spine lose water content and become less flexible, increasing the risk of degenerative changes that can cause pain.
- Poor Posture: Sitting or standing for long periods of time with poor posture can put strain on the muscles and soft tissues of the back, leading to pain.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight can put additional strain on the back, increasing pain.
- Smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow to the discs in the spine, leading to degenerative changes that can cause pain.
- Genetics: Certain genetic factors can increase the risk of developing conditions that cause lower back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis.
- Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects improperly can put strain on the muscles and soft tissues of the back, leading to pain.
Preventing Lower Back Pain
While it may not always be possible to prevent lower back pain, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Exercise regularly: Strengthening your core muscles can help to support your spine and reduce the risk of injury.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying excess weight can put additional strain on the back, increasing the risk of pain.
- Practice good posture: Sitting or standing with good posture can help to reduce strain on the muscles and soft tissues of the back.
- Lift objects properly: When lifting heavy objects, use your legs instead of your back to avoid putting strain on the muscles and soft tissues of the back.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow to the discs in the spine, leading to degenerative changes that can cause pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you are experiencing lower back pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. Some symptoms that may indicate a more serious underlying condition include:
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain that worsens at night
At New Jersey Back Center, we offer free insurance verification before your first appointment to ensure that you have access to the care you need. Our board-certified interventional pain specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating lower back pain using minimally invasive techniques. If you experience lower back pain, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
We have four convenient locations to serve you. Our clinics are located in Clifton, West Orange, Paramus, and Woodland Park. Each of our locations is easily accessible and offers plenty of parking. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at the location nearest you.
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