Having back pain is normal, over 80% of people have back pain. Low back pain is the biggest cause of disability in people under the age of 45 years old. Back pain should be taken seriously, you only have one back and you need to take care of your issues before they worsen. There are many causes of back pain and some causes may not be as serious as others but it is always good to check what is causing your back pain. In this article, you will find out some facts about back pain, the causes and symptoms, preventative measures, treatments, and risks of back pain.
Lower back pain is the most common pain that adults have. The lower back supports your upper body, allows for bending, and twisting. The five vertebrae which make up your lower back are referred to as L1-L5. Between your vertebrae are jelly-like layers that are discs. They keep your vertebrae from rubbing together (bone on bone). Back pain is very common and the most common condition that causes lower back pain is spondylosis. Here are some other examples of causes to back pain:
- Strains – Movement that causes ligaments in your back to tear or not lifting an object properly can cause muscle spasms that can be painful.
- Herniated Discs – Happens when the jelly-like substance between your vertebrae impinges on your spinal cord or nerves causing sharp back pain
- Sciatica – Compression of the Sciatic nerve travels through your butt and goes down to the back of your leg. This type of pain causes a burn like sensation which interrupts nerve signals causing numbness and weakness
- Spinal Stenosis – The narrowing of the spinal column which puts pressure onto the spinal cord. When walking you lose some sensation in your legs as your leg weakens.
Lower Back Pain Treatment Options
Our neurosurgeons at Florida Surgery Consultants have dealt with all of the conditions listed above and more. They are trained to do non-invasive, minimally invasive, pain management, and invasive procedures. If you are suffering from lower back pain here are some of the treatment options that can help:
- Physical Therapy: A Physical Therapist can evaluate, assess, and treat some symptoms. They are trained to help you move and feel better.
- Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: The use of these drugs can help inflammation that is causing your lower back pain
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Under fluoroscopy, the spine surgeon can locate and use an injection to numb / reduce inflammation in the area that is causing your pain
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Procedures such as a Microdiscectomy or Radiofrequency Ablation can help. These surgeries are done at a surgery center with less than a 1-inch incision.
- Major Surgery: Procedures such as a TLIF or ACDF may have to be done depending on the severity of the pain and how the back pain is affecting your quality of life.
Prevention of Lower Back Pain
Age plays a huge factor in lower back pain. Over 60% of Americans report lower back pain symptoms as they get older. This is considered to be a degenerative spine condition. Taking care of your lower back is important.
- Exercising your core will help provide support for your lower back.
- Having the correct posture when sitting is important and not sitting for long periods of time.
- Lifting heavy objects correctly so you don’t strain your back is imperative
- Taking care of your body, watching what you eat, not smoking or drinking excessively, drinking lots of water, and getting enough sleep.
The more you take care of yourself the better condition your lower back will be as your age. If you can do these things it will help you get into the 40% of the Americans that do not have lower back pain symptoms due to aging.
Considering Spinal Surgery?
Surgery should be one of the last options if you cannot find relief from conservative therapy such as chiropractic care or physical therapy. In the coming weeks that you have tried to reduce your pain level and there is a plateau, surgery may be the best option for you to regain your quality of life. Should you be considering spinal surgery, Florida Surgery Consultants has the top spine surgeons in Florida. Our neurosurgeons have excellent bedside manners and are happy to answer any questions you have about your lower back pain issues.
Schedule a consultation at one of our offices located in Florida. We have five different locations (Tampa, Bradenton, Ocala, Gainesville and Lakeland) If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at (888) 411-6824. Let our doctors at Florida Surgery Consultants help guide you in the right direction. We have done thousands of back pain procedures and have helped patients with their low back pain problems. If you are experiencing lower back pain symptoms call today.
