What Causes Low Back Pain? - Expert Lumbar Spine Treatments in New Jersey

What Causes Lumbar Spine Pain?

The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae located in the lower back, along with muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves that support the spine and enable movement. Pain in this area can result from a variety of conditions, including:

• Muscle Strain or Sprain: Overuse, improper lifting, or sudden movements can strain the muscles or ligaments in the lower back.

• Herniated or Bulging Discs: When the soft inner material of a disc pushes out and irritates nearby nerves, it can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.

• Degenerative Disc Disease: Aging or wear-and-tear can cause the discs between vertebrae to lose their cushioning, leading to pain and stiffness.

• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, tingling, or weakness in the lower back and legs.

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis can lead to joint inflammation in the lumbar spine.

• Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve—often due to a herniated disc—can cause sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs.

• Injury or Trauma: Accidents or falls can result in fractures or other injuries that affect the lumbar spine.

Symptoms of Lumbar Spine Pain

Lumbar spine pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Common symptoms include:

• Aching or stiffness in the lower back

• Sharp or shooting pain, especially when bending or lifting

• Radiating pain down the legs (sciatica)

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet

• Difficulty standing, walking, or sitting for long periods

When to Seek Medical Care

While mild lumbar spine pain often resolves with rest and self-care, you should seek medical attention if:

• The pain persists for more than a few weeks

• The pain is severe or worsening

• You experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in your legs

• You lose bladder or bowel control

• The pain occurs after a fall, accident, or injury

Treatment Options for Lumbar Spine Pain

At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, we take a comprehensive approach to treating lumbar spine pain. Depending on the underlying cause and severity, your treatment plan may include:

• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles supporting your lower back and improve flexibility.

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or prescription medications can help manage symptoms.

• Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Nerve Blocks: A nerve block can temporarily disrupt pain signals, providing relief and aiding in diagnosis.

• Minimally Invasive Procedures: For conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, procedures such as percutaneous disc decompression or radiofrequency ablation may be recommended.

• Surgical Intervention: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to address structural issues or severe nerve compression.

Preventing Lumbar Spine Pain

While not all back pain is preventable, you can reduce your risk with these tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your spine.

• Practice good posture when sitting, standing, or lifting.

• Engage in regular exercise to strengthen your core and back muscles.

• Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.

• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing; take breaks to move and stretch.

What Surgical Treatments are used for Lumbar Spine Injuries?

Surgical treatments for lumbar spine injuries are typically considered when conservative treatments have failed, and the condition significantly impacts quality of life or causes severe symptoms like nerve compression or spinal instability. Common surgical procedures include:

1. Microdiscectomy

• Purpose: Removes part of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve (often used for sciatica).
• Approach: Minimally invasive; involves a small incision and the use of a microscope or specialized tools to access and remove the disc fragment.

2. Laminectomy

• Purpose: Relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by spinal stenosis.
• Approach: Removes the lamina (the back part of a vertebra) to widen the spinal canal.

3. Spinal Fusion

• Purpose: Stabilizes the spine in cases of degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal instability.
• Approach: Two or more vertebrae are fused using bone grafts, screws, or rods, reducing motion at the painful segment.

4. Artificial Disc Replacement

• Purpose: Replaces a damaged disc with an artificial one to maintain motion in the spine (an alternative to fusion for certain cases of degenerative disc disease).
• Approach: A synthetic disc is implanted to restore height and flexibility.

5. Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression or Stabilization

• Purpose: Treats conditions like herniated discs, stenosis, or fractures while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.
• Approach: Uses smaller incisions and advanced tools like endoscopes or robotic assistance to perform decompression or stabilization procedures.

6. Foraminotomy

• Purpose: Enlarges the foramina (spaces where nerves exit the spinal column) to relieve nerve compression.
• Approach: Removes bone or tissue narrowing the nerve pathways.

7. Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty

• Purpose: Repairs compression fractures often caused by osteoporosis.
• Approach: Injects bone cement into the fractured vertebra, sometimes with a balloon to restore height (kyphoplasty).

8. Spinal Decompression Surgery

• Purpose: Treats conditions like spondylolisthesis or severe stenosis by removing bone, ligament, or disc material pressing on nerves.
• Approach: May involve a combination of laminectomy, foraminotomy, or discectomy.

Relief Is Within Reach

Living with lumbar spine pain doesn’t have to be your reality. At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, our team of specialists is dedicated to diagnosing the root cause of your pain and providing personalized, effective treatments. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or severe pain, we’re here to help you get back to the activities you love.

Ready to take the first step toward relief? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you find lasting relief from lumbar spine pain.