Lower Back Pain

The lower back supports most of the weight of your upper body and is a common source of pain. At the Center for Pain Treatment in Sebastian, Melbourne, and St. Cloud, Florida, Ronald J. Stern, MD, and the team take a personalized and comprehensive approach to lower back pain. They use a combination of interventional procedures and conservative medication management to help you get relief. For help with your back pain, call the office closest to you or schedule an appointment online today.

What is lower back pain?

Lower back pain refers to any type of discomfort you feel in the lower part of your back, below your ribs, and above your buttocks. That part of the back is called the lumbar spine and is made up of five vertebral bones along with intervertebral discs, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

The lumbar spine carries most of the weight of your upper body. It’s also the part of the spine that gives you the ability to bend and twist your torso. The structure and function of the lower back makes it susceptible to injuries and conditions that cause pain. 

What are some causes of lower back pain?

Lower back pain usually occurs from a problem involving the components of your back and how they move together. Some of the causes of lower back pain include:

• Sprains and strains
• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
• Lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
• Sciatica
• Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

In most cases, lower back pain is acute, resolving within a few days or a few weeks. However, many people experience chronic lower back pain that lasts three or more months. 

Whether your pain is acute or chronic, severe or dull, the team at the Center for Pain Treatment can create a plan that eases your discomfort.

What happens during a lower back pain evaluation?

The details of your lower back pain evaluation at the Center for Pain Treatment depend on your unique needs. The team takes a personalized approach to care, taking the time to listen to your story to create an effective pain management plan.

They review your symptoms, medical history, and the activities that make your pain worse. They also ask about the treatments you use to ease your discomfort. They perform a physical exam, paying close attention to the structure of your spine, and run imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis.

What are some treatment options for lower back pain?

The Center for Pain Treatment team customizes your lower back pain treatment plan based on the cause, the severity of symptoms, and your personal input. Treatment for lower back pain might include:

• Conservative medication management 
• Epidural steroid injections
• Lumbar transforaminal steroid injections
• Nerve blocks
• Medial branch blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Lumbar facet radiofrequency neurotomy
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Vertiflex™ Procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis

The team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your pain and adjust your plan as needed. 

For help with lower back pain, call the Center for Pain Treatment or book an appointment online today.