Lower back pain

If you’ve ever had low back pain, you know how much it can disrupt your life. The symptoms can make it challenging to go about your day-to-day tasks, much less participate in the activities you enjoy.

At Advocate Health Care, we offer easy access to spine specialists who quickly and accurately diagnose the root cause of lower back pain. You have many options for lower back pain treatment, and our specialists can help you find lasting relief from even the most stubborn symptoms.

What is lower back pain?

Lower back pain, also known as lumbago, is discomfort affecting the section of your back that starts just below your rib cage and extends to your tailbone. The pain can range from a dull ache to bursts of muscle contractions (spasms) that stop you in your tracks.

How common is lower back pain?

Low back pain is incredibly common – around eight in 10 adults experience it at some point in their lives. Some people struggle with low back pain for only a few days, while others experience long-term lower back pain.

Types of lower back pain

There are three main types of lower back pain:

• Acute low back pain lasts several days or weeks and usually develops because of a specific muscle strain in your back or an injury.
• Chronic low back pain lasts three months or longer and may develop because of an underlying condition such as arthritis.
• Recurrent low back pain comes and goes and may arise from an injury, chronic condition or lifestyle habits such as poor posture.

What are the symptoms of lower back pain?

Lower back pain may feel like a dull ache, or the pain may be sharp or shooting. Depending on the cause, additional symptoms of low back pain may include:

• Numbness affecting your legs or feet
• Pain extending to your hips, legs or feet
• Stiffness in your lower back muscles
• Tingling in your legs or feet
• Weakness that affects your lower body

What causes lower back pain?

Your lower back contains many complex structures. Injuries from an active lifestyle, as well as age-related wear and tear, can damage these structures, causing lower back pain.

Any change in the structures of your lower back may cause pain. These structures include:

• Discs, spongy round pads that cushion your spinal bones (vertebrae). Discs can sometimes tear (herniated disc). When this happens, the jelly-like substance inside leaks out, putting pressure on spinal nerves and causing pain.
• Joints, connective tissues that hold your vertebrae together. Joints can slip out of their natural position and not function properly, leading to lower back pain.
• Muscles, soft tissues that contract and help move your body. Muscle strains in your back can happen when you push yourself too hard during sports, work or exercise, and tears form in the muscle tissue. Muscle strains are a common source of lower back pain.

How do I know if my lower back pain is serious?

Back pain usually improves after a couple of weeks, especially if it’s the result of a strained muscle. But if your pain becomes chronic, prevents you from enjoying your usual activities or keeps you awake at night, it’s time to get help.

You should also see a health care provider right away if you experience low back pain after a traumatic injury, such as a car accident or sports injury. Learn more about when back pain is an emergency.

Diagnosing lower back pain

Our spine experts offer detailed exams to get to the root of your pain. They ask you when the pain started, what other symptoms you have and what you think might be causing low back pain.

Our Spine Care Center offers some of the most advanced imaging technology in the Chicago area – and the country. We use the EOS imaging system, a leading-edge technology that delivers extremely detailed, 3D images of your spine. Benefits of the EOS imaging system include:

• Faster results, so you get a quicker diagnosis
• Higher comfort, with imaging completed in a standing position
• Lower radiation doses, which is especially beneficial for people who need frequent scans

Your exam may include additional imaging tests to help your doctor further pinpoint the cause of back pain, including:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan: Uses X-rays and specialized computers to get a detailed view of your muscles, bones and organs.
• 3D CT scan: A CT scan that produces 3D images to see your bones and muscles in further detail.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses radio waves and magnets to create 3D images of your soft tissues, including your muscles, ligaments and tendons.
• MRI arthrogram: Combines an MRI with an injection of contrast dye to view your joints more closely.
• Myelogram: Combines a contrast dye injected into your lower back with CT scans or X-rays to get a close look at your spine.
• X-ray: Uses small, safe amounts of radiation to take images of your spine.

Lower back pain treatment

Many people can relieve lower back pain with a combination of at-home treatments, rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. But if low back pain doesn’t improve after a few weeks, it’s time to see a spine specialist.

Our team offers a wide array of treatments for lower back pain, including:

• Massage therapy: Our licensed massage therapists help loosen tight low back muscles and ligaments with a healing touch.
• Physical therapy: We can help you improve range of motion and flexibility in your lower back with prescribed exercises. Find out more about physical therapy.
• Injections: We inject pain medication or lubricant into your soft tissue to help you feel better. Spine injections can delay the need for surgery or help you avoid it altogether.
• Surgery: If nonsurgical options don’t relieve structural problems in your back, your provider may recommend surgery. We offer advanced surgery options, including the latest in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Discover more about spine surgery.