Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders
Low Back Pain
Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.
Low back pain is one of the most significant health problems. Consider these statistics from the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
- Seventy to 85 percent of all people have back pain at some time in their life.
- Back pain is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old.
Lumbar spine pain is pain in the lower back and can involve or include one or
more of the following conditions:
- Postlaminectomy syndrome
- Arthritis/osteoarthritis/spondylarthritis
- Cervical disc syndrome
- Sprain/strain/whiplash
- Degenerative disc disease/degenerative joint disease
- Neuritis, a radiculitis due to rupture, bulging disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Lumbar fusion (postsurgical)
- Failed back syndrome
- Lumosacral neuritis/radiculitis
- Spondylolysis
- Scoliosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Intervertebral disc disorder with myelopathy
- Compression fracture of the vertebrae
- Back muscle spasm
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression and anxiety
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Headaches/migraine
- General chronic pain disorders.
The following may help to prevent low back pain:
- practicing correct lifting techniques
- maintaining correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping
- exercising regularly (with proper stretching before participation)
- avoiding smoking
- maintaining a healthy weight
- reducing emotional stress which may cause muscle tension
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for low back pain may include the following. However, during many initial assessments and examinations, specialized tests are not necessary.
- x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
- computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
- radionuclide bone scan - a nuclear imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into the patient's bloodstream to be detected by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity within the bone.
- electromyogram (EMG) - a test to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
Specific treatment for low back pain will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the condition
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the condition
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- activity modification
- medication
- physical rehabilitation and/or therapy
- pain management
- occupational therapy
- weight loss (if overweight)
- no smoking
- following a prevention program (as directed by your physician)
- surgery
- assistive devices (i.e., mechanical back supports).
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