Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. Most people with low back pain recover quickly, however recurrence is common and for a small percentage of people the condition will become chronic and disabling.
What causes back pain?
A majority of lower back pain is due to degeneration of the spine from normal wear and tear of the joints, discs and bones as we age. Other causes include injury, obesity, pregnancy, poor posture and sleeping positions. Back pain can be acute, defined as pain that has lasted less than a month or it can be chronic defined as pain that persists for three months or longer.
When should I seek medical attention for my back pain?
If you have had back pain that has continued for more than two weeks it may be time to schedule an appointment with your physician. He or she may perform physical or order neurological and imaging tests to determine the cause of your pain and find the treatment option that is best for you.
Self Treatment Options:
- Rotate ice and heat on pain areas for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
- Exercise and weight reduction are critical to healing lower back pain.
- Alternative approaches such as chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage therapy can help alleviate symptoms.
- Over-the-counter pain medication can be helpful to reduce pain and allow you to participate in activities that can help your healing, such as exercise and walking.
In addition to these treatments, pain management options that have shown reduction in back pain include: interventional injection therapies, rehabilitation, physical therapies, traction therapy, ultrasound and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Relatively few people with back pain need surgery. That option is reserved for when other treatments have failed to control the pain.
If you are experiencing chronic or acute back pain, Dr. Moazazz will take a thorough medical history, perform a physical exam, and may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays or an MRI scan to identify the source of your low back pain. Treatment offered will depend on the diagnosis. Conservative treatments are offered first and only if these treatments fail, will surgery be considered as an option.
Dr Payam Moazzaz specializes in advanced minimally invasive spine surgery that enables faster recovery and return to active lifestyles. For all appointments and inquiries, please call (760) 904 5444 .