In this blog post, pain management physician Dr. Meredith Langhorst answers common questions and shares some sciatica treatments and remedies for lower back pain.
Read on to get her expert answers and tips for treating lower back pain if you aren’t quite ready to have surgery.
What are some common causes of lower back pain?
Lower back pain, particularly due to conditions like sciatica, is widespread, and many people are looking for back pain remedies. Eighty percent of the population will experience back pain at some point in their life.
Soft tissue injuries, such as strains and sprains, are the most common causes of back pain. Arthritis of the spine, degenerative disc disease and sciatica are also potential sources of lower back pain.
How do these injuries or conditions occur?
These painful episodes in the lower back are typically caused by lifting a heavy object or twisting the spine while lifting. Sudden movements that place too much stress on the spine can also result in lower back pain or aggravate back pain from sciatica.
Poor posture over time and abdominal weakness can play a role as well. Also, prolonged sitting, inactivity or sports injuries can cause lower back pain.
When should you schedule an appointment with a spine specialist?
You should schedule an appointment if you are experiencing sciatica pain symptoms or symptoms associated with any strength loss in the lower leg.
Additionally, if you are experiencing a change in bowel or bladder function, you should be evaluated. Many sciatica treatments and back pain remedies can help a patient recover from this pain and dysfunction.
Make an appointment with an Orthoindy spine specialist
What are some non-operative sciatica treatments?
Physical therapy for core strengthening, posture education, proper lifting techniques and stretches for sciatica are still the most common form of back pain remedies.
For pain that is producing other dysfunction, injection therapy may also be beneficial. Some people also benefit from non-narcotic medication as a sciatica treatment.
There are also FDA-approved clinical trials for managing chronic lower back pain available. We are hosting one now that is for an implantable device that stimulates a crucial stabilizing muscle of the spine to improve back pain.
Learn about conservative options for treating back pain
Are there ways to prevent low back pain? If so, what are they?
Proper exercise is an important sciatica treatment and helps prevent lower back pain. Avoiding prolonged sitting on a regular basis and inactivity is especially important to prevent issues with chronic low back pain.
In the workplace, we are all busy and may forget proper office ergonomics. Standing at adjustable desks, walking every hour, and using proper lifting techniques will help prevent lower back pain, as well as other injuries.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Lower back pain is a very common occurrence in our population. You can avoid much of it by taking good care of your body with proper exercise and nutrition.
If your pain is persistent or you have dysfunction in your activities of daily living, seek medical care. We have many sciatica treatments and back pain remedies to help you return to everyday activities.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Langhorst, please call 317.802.2879.
Schedule an appointment
Your well-being is important to us, and if you’re suffering from back pain, our team can help. Schedule online or call us to set up an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists.
Learn more about the conditions that could be causing you pain, and find out if sciatica treatments like spine surgery for sciatica are right for you.
If your injury or condition is recent, you can walk right into one of our OrthoIndy Urgent Care locations for immediate care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy to see one of our physical therapists.
