What are the symptoms of lower back pain?
Lower back pain is a general symptom that could mean different things to different patients, based on their unique history and diagnosis. Generally, back pain symptoms may include any of the following:
- Dull aches and pains
- Reduced flexibility
- Muscle spasms, which can be severe
- Sore to the touch
- Trouble moving
In some cases, low back pain may refer to other parts of the body. When pain travels to the groin, buttocks or legs, for example, there is a strong possibility that you have developed sciatica. In these cases, it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable physician to get an accurate diagnosis and relevant treatment plan.
What causes lower back pain?
Acute lower back pain is most often caused by muscle or ligament strains. Lifting heavy objects or twisting can cause your muscles and ligaments to pull and stretch, or even develop small tears.
There are many structures in your spine that can cause pain, so the exact causes of lower back pain can be complicated and varied. That’s why it’s essential to communicate thoroughly with your doctor about the severity of your pain, when it comes on, and as much other detail as you can provide. Your treatment will depend on the history of the pain and any activities that might have made the pain better or worse.
Due to the wide variety of potential causes for lower back pain, you will want to schedule a consultation to meet with Dr. Jenkins in order to first gain an accurate diagnosis, followed by a customized treatment plan. Many patients may experience relief from more conservative, at-home treatments, which is why Jenkins Neurospine has relationships with a variety of pain management specialists.
If the pain becomes severe and interferes with your normal, daily activities — or if the pain does not respond to more conservative treatments — you and Dr. Jenkins might decide to consider surgical treatment options.
When surgery becomes necessary, Jenkins Neurospine focuses on minimally-invasive and innovative surgical treatment for conditions like lower back pain.