Back pain is one of the most common pain conditions; over 80% of American adults have back pain to some degree. If you need effective relief, Bart Gatz, MD, and the team at American Interventional Pain Institute in Greenacres, Florida, can help. Call 561-641-0089 to request a consultation.
What causes lower back pain?
Back pain can come from many places because of how the ligaments, bones and muscles around the spine work together. Back pain lasting longer than three weeks is considered chronic; acute back pain is shorter. Without the right treatment, acute back pain can become a long-term problem.
Existing conditions that can contribute to back pain include:
- Osteoporosis
- Infection
- Shingles
- Arthritis
- Depression and anxiety
Persistent lower back pain can also come from conditions of the spine, such as degenerative disc disease and other disc problems, spinal stenosis and scoliosis.
Many common causes are functional: poor posture, overstretching or overexercising, injuries from accidents, and pain after surgery. Whatever is causing your back pain, our team can help.
Symptoms of lower back pain
Common symptoms include:
- Reduced flexibility
- Pain or aching in your lower back
- Numbness in your legs or feet
- Pain when walking, sitting or standing
If your back pain is severe and over-the-counter medication doesn't help, contact us. Also call if you have fever, chills or cold sweats; numbness or pain in your groin, buttocks or thighs; pain behind your knees; or swelling anywhere on your back.
How lower back pain is treated
Treatment depends on where the problem is and what's causing it. Our team combines conventional approaches with selected complementary therapies, based on current scientific evidence.
Treatments that may be part of your care plan include:
- Partial removal of a vertebra
- Partial removal of a disc (discectomy)
- Chiropractic care
- Osteopathy
- High-frequency spinal cord stimulation
- Artificial disc implantation
- Epidural steroid injections
- Cortisone injections
- Acupuncture
- Shiatsu (finger pressure therapy)
Treatment focuses on the cause of your pain, for long-term relief without relying on potentially addictive drugs or unnecessary surgery.
If you have lower back pain, call 561-641-0089 to schedule a consultation.