Lower Back Pain

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If you experience low back pain when sitting for long periods of time, spinal discomfort when moving or bending  — or your achy back seems to worsen with activity, it may be time to see a specialist. Most causes of low back pain are not serious, but if pain persists or impacts daily living, it needs to be evaluated. Lower back pain affects approximately 80% of adults at some point in their lives, It’s the second leading cause of doctor visits after the common cold.

Is my low back pain normal?

Symptoms of lower back pain may vary widely. Pain can range from dull aches, discomfort, and stiffness to shooting, burning, or stabbing. The pain can worsen with activities like bending, twisting or walking, or it may improve with change of position. It may radiate to other areas like the hip or leg. 

What causes low back pain?

There are many underlying injuries and conditions that can cause different types of back pain, which may be classified by how long the pain lasts, it’s cause, and location. 

Lower back pain is the most common complaint and can affect people of all ages. This pain affects the lumbar region of the spine, which is the five vertebra of the lower back below the chest. This part of the back supports your upper body and protects your spinal cord. Common causes for low back pain, include: 

• Degenerative conditions (osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, adult scoliosis, spinal stenosis, herniated disc, pinched nerve)
• Strains, sprains, or stress, which includes injuries to muscles, tendons or ligaments that happen from twisting or lifting improperly, lifting a heavy object, or stress due to poor posture, obesity, or pregnancy
• Traumatic injury due to an accident 
• Sciatica

What can I do to relieve low back pain?

There is a combination of approaches that can help relieve lower back pain, these include:

• Ice and Heat Therapy — Regularly icing painful areas can reduce inflammation. Heat can relax tight muscles.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers — Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and control pain 
• Exercise and Stretching — Regular exercise and stretching can strengthen weak muscles and improve flexibility, which will also improve posture and reduce tension on your spine

How do I prevent low back pain?

The best ways to prevent low back pain are to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles so they can properly support your body and to avoid movements that strain your back, this includes focusing on maintaining good posture and lifting and reaching cautiously and with intention.  

When should I see a doctor for low back pain? 

Back pain is most often not serious, however keys for determining when the pain may need more advanced treatment include how and when the pain started, where it hurts, and how bad the pain is. A pain or spine specialist can help identify the underlying cause and select appropriate treatment. In general, if your back pain is the result of an injury, you should visit a specialist right away. Otherwise, it’s time to schedule a visit if the pain:

• has lasted more than a week
• has not improved with home care
• is severe, constant, or intense
• radiates down one or both legs
• is accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling 
• occurs with unintended weight loss

How is lower back pain treated? 

Treatment for low back pain varies depending on the cause and symptoms. A spine specialist will start by asking questions about your pain and medical history and conduct a physical exam to determine if the cause is due to injury or an underlying medical condition. 

Sometimes imaging tests may be performed to rule out or confirm the cause of the pain. These can include:

• X-rays to look at bones for fractures, alignment, or changes due to aging.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine soft tissues, discs, ligaments and nerves surrounding the spine.
• Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans provide three-dimensional views that can help identify problems with the spinal canal and surrounding tissues.
• Electromyography (EMG) can measure electrical activity in a muscle to look for problems with muscles and nerves

Based on the diagnosis, treatment may include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and complementary and alternative therapies to relieve pain.

If the pain persists or the cause of the pain requires surgical intervention, there are several minimally invasive and traditional approaches a surgeon may suggest, which may include:

• Discectomy or a Lumbar Discectomy – procedures commonly performed to remove a herniated or displaced disc in the neck or back that is pressing on a nerve
• Laminectomy – a procedure during which a small portion of bone is removed from the spine to enlarge the spinal canal and relieve pressure of compressed nerves that may be due to spinal stenosis, herniated disc, or injury 
• Spinal fusion – permanently fuses two vertebrae together to eliminate painful movement between them. This may be done to help with degenerative disc disease, recurrent herniated disc, spinal deformities, spinal instability and other disorders.

Patient Success Story: Michael’s Recovery

Michael, a 45-year-old construction worker from Bergen County, New Jersey, came to NJBS after experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain had persisted for eight weeks and was affecting his ability to work and sleep.

“I couldn’t even tie my shoes without excruciating pain,” Michael recalls. “I thought my career was over.”

After a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Vingan, imaging revealed a herniated disc at L4-L5 causing nerve compression. Dr. Vingan recommended a minimally invasive microdiscectomy, explaining that this approach would allow faster recovery and return to work.

The outpatient procedure took less than an hour, and Michael went home the same day. Within two weeks, his leg pain had resolved, and he began physical therapy. Six weeks later, he returned to full duty at work.

“Dr. Vingan and the NJBS team gave me my life back,” Michael says. “I’m back to doing everything I love, pain-free.”

For most people, lower back pain is temporary and treatable with conservative approaches. However, if you experience acute or chronic back pain that affects daily activity, don’t wait for it to worsen. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.

Contact New Jersey Brain and Spine today at 201-342-2550 to schedule a consultation with our spine specialists. Learn more about your treatment options and take the first step toward improving your quality of life. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Back Pain