Lumbar Pain is Serious and Patients Should Know What They're Dealing With

Lumbar pain or lower back pain is afflicting millions of people of all ages and from different walks of life. Since the back is used to carry out multiple tasks every day like lifting, bending, twisting, and many more, lumbar pain can be caused by a variety of things. Lower back pain comes with numerous challenges; for instance, it can reach different levels of intensity and affect a person's quality of life to a greater or lesser degree.

There are multiple options available to address the underlying causes of the pain, get the right diagnosis, avoid aggravating the problem, and undergo the right treatment. Besides the treatment itself, there are numerous things that a person can also do to reduce or prevent injuries and risks that could lead to other health conditions.

Though pain can develop in different parts of the body, it's very common in the lower back. The lower back is a complex structure that is comprised of sensitive nerves and their roots, soft tissue, muscles, tendons, complex and small joints, spinal discs, and gel-like fluids. If one of these components becomes damaged or irritated at any time, pain will follow. The level and the type of pain depend on the specific part of the back structure involved.

Lumbar pain can develop from incorrect lifting, bending, twisting, and strain due to overuse; sometimes, it is also a result of a bad fall, car accident, or other trauma. Other underlying health issues that can cause lower back pain include subluxation, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, sciatica, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, osteoarthritis, lumbar radiculopathy, herniated disc, and degenerative disc disease.

Certain risk factors for lumbar pain include poor posture, obesity, and age; though, a person may be able to overcome it by simply performing special exercises and making healthy lifestyle choices. If the pain is persistent and gets worse, however, it is important to get proper treatment. Immediate medical attention is required if pain is accompanied by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, incontinence, leg weakness, significant weight loss, chills, and medium to high fever.

Biofeedback, behavioral and cognitive therapy, and physical therapy are often used to reduce inflammation and pain, in addition to the medication that would likely be prescribed. For a more serious condition, the treatment may involve a full-blown surgery or a minor procedure. Another highly recommended alternative is chiropractic care, which utilizes hands-on spinal adjustments to help align the body's musculoskeletal structure and allows the body to heal on its own.

Overall, lumbar pain treatment includes medication, rest, therapeutic and physical exercises and occasionally, procedures. It is recommended to employ the help of a physical therapist or an experienced chiropractor and/or doctor who can assist in any pain management and facilitate an effective long-term treatment plan.

Call us at 212-604-1300 or request more information by clicking here. At New York Pain Care our goal is to get you started on a personalized treatment plan to find relief!