Chronic Lower Back Pain

Are you living with chronic back pain? If so, you certainly aren’t alone; however, finding the source of your back pain isn’t always simple, and many people find themselves facing the eventual question of whether or not to undergo surgery. Before jumping into surgery, it’s a good idea to discuss your treatment options with a pain management specialist who may be able to help you get your pain under control without resorting to surgery.

What causes chronic lower back pain?

While everything from muscle strain to poor posture can lead to acute causes of lower back pain, a pain medicine doctor understands that chronic lower back pain is a different beast. Chronic back pain is often a sign of an underlying musculoskeletal issue such as,

• Arthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• A herniated or bulging disc

Sometimes regular doctors aren’t able to figure out the root cause of your chronic back pain, which can also be frustrating. In this case, it’s important to get a second opinion from a pain management doctor who specializes in treating chronic back pain. This specialist will have better diagnostic tools and more in-depth knowledge to be able to determine the root cause of your pain and how to best treat it.

How is chronic lower back pain treated?

There are many factors that your pain management doctor will need to take into consideration when crafting your treatment plan. That’s why no two people’s treatment plans are the same. A pain doctor will tailor your plan to meet your needs. Factors such as the severity and type of pain you’re experiencing, as well as your current lifestyle and activity level, all play a role. Your treatment plan may consist of:

• Physical therapy
• Meditation
• Lifestyle modifications
• Specialized exercises
• Diet (back pain can be exacerbated by being overweight or obese)
• Biofeedback therapy
• Laser therapy
• Electrical nerve stimulation
• Massage therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Nerve blocks
• Epidural steroid injections
• Nerve ablation

When should I consider back surgery?

The goal of a pain management specialist is to find nonsurgical ways to treat your back pain and improve your mobility and quality of life; however, there are scenarios in which surgery truly is the best option for a patient. You may want to consider back surgery if:

• Your pain is severe or debilitating
• Your symptoms aren’t responding to nonsurgical treatment options
• You have numbness in your arms and legs (due to compressed nerves)
• Your quality of life has been greatly impacted by your back pain
• You aren’t able to enjoy certain activities including exercise due to pain
• Everyday activities and chores have become a challenge

If chronic back pain is impacting your daily routine and your quality of life, a pain management doctor may be the ideal specialist to turn to. They can offer a wide range of treatment options that other doctors can’t.