At any given time, 31 million Americans are experiencing low back pain, and experts estimate that at much as 80% of the population will experience it at some point in their lives. And while many sufferers turn to harmful painkillers, studies show long-term use make actually increase sensitivity to pain.
How can you successfully treat my low back pain?
It is critical to resolve lower back issues as quickly as possible because, when left untreated, they often lead to other injuries. For example, a pulled muscle in the lower back becomes less effective, so other muscles overexert themselves trying to pick up the slack for the original weakened muscle, leading to further injury and more discomfort.
At Oakland Spine and physical therapy, we use a multi-pronged approach to treating your low back pain. Through safe, non- or minimally-invasive methods like spinal manipulation, massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, trigger point injection therapy, and laser therapy (using our LCT 1000 Deep Tissue (Class IV) Laser, the most powerful healing laser technology available today), we’re able to target and eliminate the cause of your suffering.
What are the symptoms of low back pain?
Lower back pain is characterized by severe or aching pain in the lower back that starts after activity, sudden movement, or lifting a heavy object, and typically affects people from 30 to 60 years old. Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty moving that can be severe enough to prevent walking or standing
- Pain that also moves to the groin, buttock, upper thigh, leg, or foot
- Pain that tends to be achy, dull, burning, or tingling
- Muscle spasms, sometimes severe
- Local soreness upon touch
- Pain that is worsened by movement, prolonged rest or activity, or prolonged sitting or standing
- Knots or tight spots in the low back
- Stiffness or swelling
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg or foot
What causes low back pain?
Low back pain arises when there is damage to the muscles or ligaments of the back. The many causes to blame for low back pain include: arthritis, sciatica, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, disc tear, vertebral fractures, and scoliosis. However, the culprit is generally some form of overexertion or injury to one of the muscles, joints, ligaments, or discs that help sustain the spine. Our back injury doctors can determine what the source of your pain is and find the proper treatment plans to help.