What is Causing My Lower Back Pain?

Find out why so many people are dealing with back pain and what we can do to help.

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints that our Manassas, VA, orthopaedic specialists hear about from patients. In fact, lower back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide and one of the most common reasons people miss work. Are you currently dealing with lower back pain?

More about Lower Back Pain

If you are dealing with acute back pain, it is likely the result of a strained or sprained muscle or ligament in the back. No matter whether your lower back pain occurred suddenly or you’ve noticed it slowly developing over time, this could be a warning sign of a pulled or sprained muscle (or ligament).

This problem can occur as a result of heavy lifting, poor posture, sports injuries, or an accident such as a fall. While this problem isn’t necessarily serious, it can lead to severe or recurring pain that warrants seeing a doctor.

If you are dealing with chronic back pain (pain that has lasted more than three months) this could be a sign of,

• A herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Joint dysfunction
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Scoliosis or other spinal deformity
• Trauma
• Spinal fracture

Of course, sometimes conditions such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease may be present without any pain occurring.

Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

To create the most effective treatment plan possible, it’s important that our Manassas, VA, orthopaedic specialist determine the root cause of your back pain. Accordingly, a physical examination will be performed and we will go over your medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms. From there, we will determine whether imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI are necessary.

Treating Your Pain

When it comes to your treatment plan, chances are good that there will be a combination of lifestyle modifications and orthopaedic treatment options. Sometimes, self-care is all that’s needed to address minor issues such as a pulled muscle! Self-care measures include,

• Avoiding certain activities like heavy lifting, running, or certain chores
• Resting
• Icing or applying heat
• Taking over-the-counter painkillers
• Stretching and strengthening exercises

In some instances, an orthopaedic specialist may recommend these treatment options,

• Steroid Injections
• Physical therapy
• Bracing
• Chiropractic therapy or spinal manipulation
• Spinal traction

If non-surgical treatment options have failed and you’ve tried to get your symptoms under control for about one year, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Need Relief? Give Us a Call!

If you are living with back pain in Manassas or Haymarket, VA, then call North Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists today to get the relief you deserve! Our number is 703-369-9070.