What is lower back pain?
Lower back pain impacts as many as 80% of men and women at some point during their lives. This type of discomfort can occur anywhere between your ribs and above your legs.
When you have lower back pain, it can be from your vertebrae, intervertebral discs, ligaments and tendons, muscles, or your spinal cord and spinal cord nerves. Lower back pain can also involve your blood vessels.
What causes lower back pain?
When you have acute lower back pain for four to 12 weeks, it’s likely caused by injuries sustained through sports, car accidents, or while using improper lifting techniques. Approximately 20% of men and women with acute lower back pain develop persistent chronic pain issues.
Chronic low back pain lasting for 12 weeks or more is generally the result of herniated discs and degenerative issues like osteoporosis, arthritis, and spinal stenosis. You can also develop chronic low back pain from health disorders like fibromyalgia. Less commonly, this type of pain develops because of conditions like scoliosis, inflammation, infections, or tumors.
How is lower back pain diagnosed?
Dr. De La Torre diagnoses the cause of your lower back pain by reviewing your personal and family medical histories, discussing your symptoms, and conducting a full physical exam. Based on your consultation, Dr. De La Torre may recommend additional testing, such as:
- X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to look for anatomic abnormalities
- Nerve conduction or evoked potential studies to check your nerve function
- Electromyography to evaluate electrical activity in your muscles
In some cases, Dr. De La Torre might also recommend specialized studies using diagnostic injections to help locate the specific source of your pain.
How is lower back pain treated?
Dr. De La Torre develops a personalized treatment strategy using the most advanced pain management techniques available, including:
- Ointments that reduce inflammation and pain
- Medications like pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories
- Interventional pain injections, like nerve blocks or cortisone treatments
- Physical therapy to increase muscle strength and flexibility
At New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine, Dr. De La Torre also offers in-office anesthesia treatment to relieve chronic pain symptoms, especially when related to neuropathic disorders.
For more information on lower back pain, call New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.
