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low back

Lower Back Pain Causes & Treatments

WHAT IS CONSIDERED YOUR LOWER BACK?

The low back, or lower back, refers to the area called the lumbar spine which consists of the lowest five vertebrae and a triangular complex of bone at the base called the sacrum. Each of these lumbar vertebral segments are connected by intervertebral discs, and each disc has two facet joints behind them. An intricate network of ligaments is what provides stability and flexibility in the low back. The last major component is the outer spinal musculature, which is critical in controlling movement and mobility.

TREATMENT FOR YOUR LOWER BACK PAIN IN WICHITA

According to the CDC, roughly one in four adults report they have recently experienced lower back pain. It is an extremely common problem, especially for those that are older or engage in activities that put undue strain on the lower back muscles. Poor posture can also cause pain in your lower back, which is quite common for people who work at a desk all day. Simply put, lower back pain can affect anyone and has many causes such as bad habits (poor posture, sleeping position, etc.), age, certain activities, or injuries.

At Mid-America Orthopedics, our orthopedic specialists are experts at diagnosing, identifying causes, and treating lower back pain. The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic doctors to discuss the symptoms of your lower back pain and identify the cause(s) of your low back pain. It’s a complex area, which means that your pain may be originating from the muscles, bones, nerves, or some combination of the three in your lower back.

Back strain is one of the most common causes of lower back pain that we treat here at Mid-America Orthopedics Wichita; however, other causes of pain include degenerative changes of the spine (spondylosis), disc herniations, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Not uncommonly, some individuals with hip problems will experience low back pain since these two areas of the body are adjacent to each other. Additional non-spine related causes of lower back pain include kidney stones, infection, stomach ulcers, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and cancer.

The best way to pinpoint the source of your lower back and/or hip pain is by contacting the team at Mid-America Orthopedics Wichita.

METHODS OF TREATMENT TO ACHIEVE LOWER BACK PAIN RELIEF

Treatment for lower back pain can generally be divided into the following categories: pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, nonsurgical interventional treatments, and surgical treatments.

  • Nonpharmacologic treatments are holistic treatments that don’t employ the use of over-the-counter or prescription medication. These treatments include rest, ice/heat therapy, electrical stimulation, physical therapy, spinal manipulation, and massage.
  • Pharmacologic treatments are non-holistic treatments that employ the use of over-the-counter or prescription medication. These treatments include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical medications.
  • Nonsurgical interventions include various spine and musculoskeletal injections that are intended to provide lower back pain relief. Many of these involve the injection of glucocorticoids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Surgical intervention may be considered if conservative care has failed and there is definitive evidence of a mechanical disorder that can be corrected by surgery.

Schedule an appointment at Mid-America Orthopedics Wichita for a full evaluation and personalized treatment plan. We have decades of combined experience helping patients overcome lower back pain, inflamed or injured lower back muscles, and lower back and hip pain occurring simultaneously. Use the scheduling button below to arrange your initial consultation and exam with one of our experienced orthopedic doctors.

Mid-America Orthopedics Low Back physicians

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY & SPORTS MEDICINE

John Babb, MD

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY & SPORTS MEDICINE

Ryan Livermore, MD

Common Conditions We Treat

  • Acute and Subacute Neck and Low Back Injuries
  • Chronic Neck and Lower Back Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Axial and Radicular Pain
  • Lumbar Herniated Disc
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Facet Joint Dysfunction
  • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Osteoarthritis
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WORKING WITH MID-AMERICA ORTHOPEDICS WICHITA IS EASY!

We've Simplified the Treatment Process to Three Easy Steps

1. Email or call now to set up an appointment in minutes

2. Meet with one of our friendly doctors and get an individualized plan delivered with a patient-centered approach to relieve your lower back pain

3. Regain your mobility and start living life on your own terms again!