What is low back pain?

Low back pain develops in the lower part of your back and can feel crippling in some cases. It may result from a variety of factors but often causes problems when trying to complete everyday tasks.

Back pain could appear as:

• Sharp, shooting pain
• Radiating pain down one leg
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning pain
• Dull, aching discomfort
• Stiffness
• Sore muscles
• Decreased range of motion
• Limited mobility

See JAM Wellness Clinics experts at the first sign of severe or ongoing back pain to get the relief you deserve.

What are the risk factors for low back pain?

Low back pain is a common occurrence, and nearly everyone experiences it from time to time. Some of the many factors that boost your risk of developing it include:

• Muscle strains
• Ligament strains
• Ruptured or bulging discs
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Older age
• Improper lifting techniques
• Smoking
• Ongoing medical problems

Having chronic diseases or psychological conditions could also increase your risk of back discomfort. Examples include arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, and anxiety.

Ways to reduce your chance of having low back pain include getting regular exercise, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, boosting muscle strength and flexibility, and having good posture. Properly manage a chronic disease if you have one and use proper lifting techniques.

How does my doctor diagnose the cause of low back pain?

Finding the root cause of low back pain is the first step in developing an effective treatment plan. Your JAM Wellness Clinics specialist discusses your symptoms and medical history, completes a physical exam, and may order blood tests, nerve tests, bone scans, MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, or other imaging procedures.

How is low back pain treated?

Common treatments for low back pain include:

• Oral medications
• Steroid injections
• Back braces
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Manual manipulation
• Posture correction

The JAM Wellness Clinics team may refer you to a specialist as needed if conservative low back pain treatments haven’t worked and you need surgery or other complex procedures.

To reduce low back pain, call the experts at JAM Wellness Clinics or schedule an appointment online today.