Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work, stop exercising, or seek medical care. While many episodes improve with rest and time, persistent or recurring pain can be a sign of an underlying spine condition that requires specialized treatment.
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Milo Sanda specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the lumbar spine using a conservative, patient-first approach. Whether your pain is new or you’ve been living with it for years, your spine specialist will work to identify the source of your symptoms and recommend the least invasive treatment to help you recover.
Common Causes of Low Back Pain
There are many possible causes of low back pain, ranging from muscle strains to more complex spine conditions. Identifying the source of your pain is the first step toward finding lasting relief.
Strains and Sprains
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can become overstretched or torn during lifting, twisting, sports, or other everyday activities. Muscle and tendon injuries are called strains, while ligament injuries are known as sprains. These injuries often improve with conservative treatment but can sometimes require further evaluation if symptoms persist.
Osteoarthritis
As we age, the cartilage that cushions the joints of the spine gradually wears away. This condition, known as osteoarthritis, can cause stiffness, inflammation, and ongoing low back pain.
Referred Pain
Not all low back pain originates in the spine. Conditions such as kidney disease, fibromyalgia, or endometriosis can cause pain that is felt in the lower back. This is known as referred pain, and treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition.
Structural Abnormalities
Poor spinal alignment can place added stress on the muscles, joints, and nerves of the lower back, leading to ongoing pain and stiffness. Conditions such as scoliosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis may also contribute to chronic symptoms.
Fractures
Osteoporosis can weaken the vertebrae, increasing the risk of compression fractures. Low back fractures can also occur after falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or other traumatic events.
Herniated or Degenerated Discs
The discs between your vertebrae act as natural shock absorbers. Over time, or following an injury, these discs can become damaged, leading to conditions such as:
- Herniated disc
- Bulging disc
- Torn or ruptured disc
- Degenerative disc disease
Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
Sciatica occurs when a nerve in the lower back becomes irritated or compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine become narrower, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. This commonly develops with age and may cause low back pain, numbness, weakness, or pain that radiates into the legs.
How Low Back Pain Is Treated
Every treatment plan begins with an accurate diagnosis.
Your spine specialist will identify the underlying cause of your pain before recommending the least invasive treatment that will help you recover. At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, we emphasize conservative, non-operative care whenever appropriate.
Treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Activity modifications
- Image-guided spinal injections
- Facet joint injections
- Epidural steroid injections
When surgery is the best option, Dr. Milo Sanda offers advanced minimally invasive and motion-preserving procedures designed to reduce tissue disruption, shorten recovery time, and improve outcomes. Surgical options may include:
- Endoscopic spine surgery
- Microdiscectomy
- Laminectomy
- Cervical or lumbar disc replacement
- Robotic-assisted spine surgery when appropriate
When Should You Schedule an Appointment?
Many cases of low back pain improve with rest, activity modification, and over-the-counter medications. However, you should schedule an evaluation if:
- Your pain lasts longer than a few weeks
- Your symptoms continue to return
- Pain interferes with work, sleep, or daily activities
- Pain radiates into your buttock or leg
- You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Your symptoms continue to worsen despite conservative treatment
Loss of bladder or bowel control, severe weakness, or sudden numbness should be evaluated immediately, as these symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.
If your pain began after a recent injury, Urgent Ortho, our walk-in orthopedic clinic, offers same-day orthopedic evaluation and can seamlessly connect you with our spine specialist if additional care is needed.
If your injury occurred at work, our experienced workers’ compensation team can coordinate both your treatment and your claim.
Not sure where to start? Our Where Does It Hurt? guide can help you find the right care for your symptoms.