Lower Back Pain

Lower Back Pain Q & A

What causes lower back pain?

The lower back, or lumbar region, is one of the most common sites of back pain. You can feel pain in this area of your back any time a part of this complex structure is damaged. In most cases, pain in this region is related to an injury involving a muscle, ligament, or intervertebral disc.

When an injury occurs in the lower back, your body starts healing the damage immediately. That causes inflammation, which is often the source of your pain.

What causes pain in other parts of the back?

The cause of pain in other regions of the back is similar to the cause of pain in the lower back. If any part of the structure that makes up your back is injured or damaged, you will feel pain in that area. For example, you may have pain in the middle or upper back because of a strained muscle or a herniated disc.

How does The Spine Center of Louisiana find the cause of back pain?

If you come to The Spine Center of Louisiana with back pain, your doctor will begin by performing a full physical exam. You will also be asked about your symptoms and your medical history. Your doctor may also order imaging studies to look for structural problems in the back, such as herniated discs.

What treatments are available?

The treatment for back pain will depend on the cause of the pain. Each treatment option serves a different purpose and offers different benefits. In many cases, your doctor will recommend a particular combination of treatments designed to give you the best results. Before you begin any treatment program, your doctor will explain all of the pros and cons of each treatment. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions. Some of the treatments available from The Spine Center of Louisiana include:

• Spinal manipulation
• Physiotherapy
• Cold laser therapy
• Massage therapy
• Ultrasound
• Interferential electro-therapy

Is back pain treatment safe?