Low Back Pain

What is low back pain?

Low back pain refers to the discomfort you experience in your low back, which is found right below the bottom of your rib cage and above your buttocks. Nearly 80% of adults experience low back pain at least once in their life, and 20% of those people develop chronic low back pain, which means they’ve been experiencing pain for three or more months. 

Whether acute or chronic, low back pain can affect your physical and mental health. Dr. Delman is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who can develop a plan to reduce your pain and restore your physical and mental well-being. 

What are common causes of low back pain?

Low back pain can develop from many causes. In most cases, the pain occurs due to a mechanical issue that affects the muscles, ligaments, nerves, or bones that make up your lower back. Common causes include:

• Arthritis
  
• Disc degeneration
  
• Herniated disc
  
• Radiculopathy
  
• Spinal stenosis
  
• Spinal deformity
  
• Sciatica

Less often, low back pain develops from an infection or tumor. 

What can I expect during an evaluation for low back pain?

Dr. Delman is an experienced orthopedic and spinal surgeon and conducts comprehensive examinations when you come to the office with concerns about low back pain. His goal is to identify the cause of your pain so you can get the most targeted treatment. 

During your evaluation, Dr. Delman reviews your symptoms and medical history and conducts a physical exam. He may also request X-rays or MRIs to further evaluate the structures in your low back to find out what may be causing your pain.

What are the treatments for low back pain? 

Treatment for low back pain can depend on the underlying cause. Dr. Delman creates personalized treatment plans to ensure you get the most effective relief. Your treatment may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
  
• Physical therapy
  
• Activity modification
  
• Anti-seizure medication for management of nerve pain
  
• Topical anesthetics
  
• Acupuncture

He may also recommend interventional pain management, such as nerve blocks or steroid injections. 

Dr. Delman is an experienced spinal surgeon who has performed many spinal surgeries throughout his career. If you fail to get relief from your symptoms with conservative measures, Dr. Delman can recommend surgery and make the appropriate referrals.

To learn more about your treatment options for your low back pain, call Allan Delman, M.D., or request an appointment online today.