Lower back pain

If you’ve experienced lower back pain, you know how disruptive it can be. The symptoms can make it difficult for you to go about your daily life, much less participate in the activities you enjoy.

At Aurora Health Care, our easily accessible spine specialists quickly find the cause of your low back pain. You have many options for lower back pain treatment, and our experts can help you get lasting relief from even the most stubborn symptoms.

What is lower back pain?

Low back pain, also called lumbago, is discomfort that affects the portion of your back starting just below the back side of your rib cage and extending to your tailbone. The pain can range from a dull ache to bursts of pain (muscle spasms) that stop you in your tracks.

How common is low back pain?

Lower back pain is extremely common – nearly eight in 10 adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Some people experience pain for only a few days, while others experience long-term lower back pain.

Types of low back pain

There are three main types of lower back pain:

• Acute low back pain lasts only a few days or weeks and usually occurs because of a specific injury or strain.
• Chronic low back pain lasts three months or longer and may be caused by an underlying condition such as arthritis.
• Recurrent low back pain comes and goes and may be the result of an injury, chronic condition or lifestyle habits, such as poor posture.

What are the symptoms of lumbago?

Lumbago may be a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain. Depending on the cause, additional symptoms of lower back pain may include:

• Numbness in your legs or feet
• Pain that extends to your hips, legs or feet
• Stiff lower back muscles
• Tingling in your legs or feet
• Weakness in your lower body

What causes low back pain?

Your lower back is made up of many complex structures. Injuries from an active lifestyle, as well as general wear and tear, can damage these structures, causing low back pain.

Any structural changes in your low back may cause pain. These structures include:

• Discs, spongy round pads between the bones in your back (vertebrae). Discs can sometimes protrude (bulging disc) or tear (herniated disc) and cause pain.
• Joints, connective tissues that hold your spine bones together. Joints can fall out of their natural position, causing them to malfunction, which can cause low back pain.
• Muscles, bands of tissue that contract to help you move your body. Muscle strains can happen when tears form in the muscle tissue after pushing yourself too hard during sports, work or exercise. These strains can be a major source of lower back pain.

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

Low back pain often improves after a couple of weeks. But if your pain becomes chronic, prevents you from enjoying everyday activities or keeps you awake at night, it’s time to get help.

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

Diagnosing lower back pain

Back pain often improves after a couple of weeks. But if your pain becomes chronic or prevents you from enjoying everyday activities, it’s time to get help.

Our experts perform detailed exams and ask questions to find the source of your pain. They’ll want to know when the pain started, what other symptoms you have and what triggers your pain.

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

• CT scan: Uses specialized computers and X-rays to create a detailed view of your bones, muscles and organs
• 3D CT scan: Produces 3D images for your provider to visualize your bones and muscles in more detail
• MRI: Uses magnets and radio waves to create 3D images of soft tissues, including your muscles, ligaments and tendons
• MRI arthrograms Combines an MRI with a contrast dye injection to get a closer look at your joints
• Myelogram: Uses a contrast dye injected into your lower back and CT scans or X-rays to get a close look at your spine
• X-ray: Uses small, safe amounts of radiation to take pictures of your spine

Low back pain treatment

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

Our team offers a full range of treatments for low back pain, including:

• Chiropractic care: A chiropractor applies gentle pressure to guide your bones and joints into their natural position. Find out more about chiropractic care.
• Massage therapy: Our licensed massage therapists loosen tight back muscles and ligaments with a healing touch. Find out more about massage therapy.
• Physical therapy: Our therapists can help improve your flexibility and range of motion in your lower back with special exercises. Read more about orthopedic physical therapy.
• Injections: We inject pain medication or jelly-like lubricant into injured tissue to help you feel better. Injections can delay the need for surgery or help you avoid it altogether.
• Surgery: If you have a structural problem in your back and noninvasive options don’t relieve your pain, you may need surgery. Our surgeons perform advanced surgical techniques, including the latest in minimally invasive surgery. Discover more about surgical spine treatments.

Find spine care near you

When you have degenerative disc disease, the Aurora Spine Program makes it easier for you to get back to the things that matter most. With a single entry point and your own care coordinator, you’ll be connected to an integrated team of specialists all working together on your personalized treatment plan. Learn more about our program locations in eastern Wisconsin.

Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center

Aurora BayCare Medical Center

Aurora Medical Center – Summit

Aurora Medical Center – Sheboygan County

Aurora Health Center – Burlington