Lower Back Pain Treatment Specialists in NJ

The five vertebrae that make up the lumbar, or lower, area of your back (L1 to L5) are usually the source of low back pain. The majority of your upper body’s weight is supported by this area. Intervertebral discs, which are round, rubbery pads, fill the spaces between these vertebrae. They handle the stress and harsh movements of your entire spinal column. There are also facet joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae and responsible for stabilizing your spine. Your back muscles are connected to your spinal column via tendons, and vertebrae are held in place by ligaments. Lastly, there are 31 pairs of nerves that originate from your spinal cord and control your body’s sensation and movement by relaying signals to and from the brain.

The intricate anatomical structure of your lower back can be challenged due to stress and strain associated with age. Any changes to the discs, facet joints, and ligaments around your vertebrae can result in painful conditions.

Typical lower back pain symptoms include:

• Aching muscles
• Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain
• Pain that stretches down your leg, called sciatica
• Pain that increases with activity or reduces while laying down

These symptoms may go away on their own within a few weeks, or they may worsen if you do not receive proper care. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Lower back pain after the age of 50
• Pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Pain that occurs together with bowel or bladder problems
• A fever
• Leg pain that extends around and below the knee or causes either a tingling or numbing sensation
• Unexplained weight loss
• A previous bout of cancer
• Previous or current use of steroids
• Osteoporosis
• Substance abuse

The causes of your constant lower back pain are often determined by your symptoms. Among the most common are:

• Sacroiliitis. This condition is caused by inflammation of your sacroiliac joints, which connect your lower spine and pelvis. Although it mainly results in pain in the buttocks and lower back, it can also lead to pain in the legs. Long periods of standing or stair climbing exacerbate the symptoms.
• Arthritis. Arthritis of the spine is called spinal stenosis. It narrows the space available to your spinal cord, causing irritation and discomfort. Although osteoarthritis is typically associated with aging, it can start causing painful symptoms as early as age 40.
• Osteoporosis. A condition in which your bones become brittle and your spinal vertebrae fracture. Osteoporosis is most prevalent in older adults, although it can also be caused by a lack of calcium, vitamin D, and exercise.
• Soft tissue strain. Repetitive activity or sudden overexertion can cause muscle or ligament strain. This condition is commonly described as a pulled back, and it is the most common cause of isolated soreness, such as sharp stabbing pain in the lower left side of the back or lower right back pain.
• Herniated discs. Your spinal vertebrae are cushioned by discs with a tough exterior and a soft interior. A herniation occurs when the hard covering ruptures, allowing soft material to ooze out and potentially pinch a nerve. This problem typically leads to sciatica.
• Sciatica. When a herniated disc pinches the sciatic nerve, the pain spreads from the lower back to the buttocks and down the back of your leg. The sensation can range from numbness to extreme pain.
• Infection. Lower left or lower right back pain may be caused by a kidney infection, appendicitis, gynecological issues, or even kidney stones.

Back pain typically goes away within a few days or weeks. If the pain lasts more than three months, it is considered chronic and needs to be evaluated by an experienced spine specialist. You can decrease your risk of experiencing low back pain by putting less strain on your back. The following are the guidelines for reducing stress on your back:

• Support your back when lifting
• Focus on good posture
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Strengthen your back
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D
• Quit smoking
• Relax and reduce stress

While stopping time or avoiding aging is impossible, you can successfully manage or even avoid back pain by making certain lifestyle changes. A healthy lifestyle may also make you less likely to sustain an injury as a result of an accident.

Contact the best pain management doctors in New Jersey at Redefine Healthcare for a comprehensive, personalized exam and professional recommendations designed with your specific needs in mind. With a diagnosis from your New Jersey pain relief doctor, you get a personalized treatment plan to address even the most extreme lower back pain conditions.