Treatment for Low Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit a spine doctor. There are many ways to treat lower back pain. Usually, doctors recommend trying conservative treatment options before surgery.
That said, surgery is an option if other treatment methods have failed and the doctor knows the source of the pain.
Experiencing lower back pain? It is essential to see an orthopedic doctor to diagnose and develop the right treatment plan for you.
Learn more from AAOS's YouTube video about low back pain treatment.
Diagnosing Lower Back Pain
The doctor will first do a health history and a physical exam to properly diagnose lower back pain. They may order imaging such as an MRI or X-ray to identify the source of your lower back pain.
Your doctor may suggest several conservative treatment options to help alleviate your pain so long as it does not require surgery upon diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain
Medication
Your doctor may recommend medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. These medications can help with pain while also reducing swelling.
Depending on the pain's severity, your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants or oral steroids.
Many patients also see benefits with steroid injections into the spine. Injections only offer short-term pain relief, but they can help patients find relief as they use other methods such as physical therapy to help treat their back pain.
Physical Therapy
To improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength, physical therapy is often recommended. Patients learn exercises that support the area of the back, causing pain. Importantly, patients need to follow the guidance of their physical therapy plan for it to be effective. This includes doing the exercises at home as directed.
Other Conservative Treatment Options
Other Conservative Treatment Options to treat lower back pain can include:
Heat or Ice to the affected area
Taking frequent rest breaks in between activity
Massage
Acupuncture
Wearing a supportive back brace
Usually, a combination of these treatments is effective for pain relief and can help heal the source of pain. However, if you are still experiencing severe pain after trying conservative treatments, your spine doctor will discuss surgical options.
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion with the iFuse Implant System
One reason for experiencing low back pain is a dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint. Surgeons often treat the condition with a spinal fusion. The surgery involves fusing the bones through bone grafts and implanting rods and screws into the fusion.
Though this surgery is often effective, it can affect mobility and may not alleviate pain completely.
An alternative surgical method is now available. A SI joint fusion using the IFuse Implant System can reduce the risk of further back pain after the surgery. It has also shown promise in improving mobility and patient quality of life. Your spine doctor can determine if a sacroiliac joint fusion with an iFUse implant System is an appropriate option for you.
Experiencing Lower Back Pain? We Can Help
Our team of orthopedic surgeons are trustworthy and experts in the diagnosis and treatment of lower back pain. We offer a variety of orthopedic services, including physical therapy and surgical services, at all of our locations.
We use innovative techniques that are safe and ensure patients have the outcome they desire. This includes the iFuse Implant System.
We have five convenient locations to serve you:
Contact us today! to partner with us for your orthopedic needs!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.