Most of us will experience low back pain at some point in our lives—it’s that nagging ache or sharp twinge you feel between your lower ribs and the top of your hips. Sometimes it attacks us suddenly after lifting something heavy, and other times it creeps up slowly and sticks around for weeks or even months. Whether you’re an active parent, a busy professional, or a retired individual, low back pain can get in the way of the things you love to do—but that’s where a licensed physiatrist can help.
What Are the Common Causes of Low Back Pain?
While low back pain can affect anyone, adults between 30 and 60 years old tend to suffer from it more, with the frequency only getting worse as we age.
Everyday activities like lifting groceries, gardening, or even sitting at a desk for too long can strain your muscles or ligaments. The joints in our spine can wear down as we age, leading to arthritis and stiffness. Sometimes, the soft discs between the bones in your back can bulge or herniate, pressing on nerves and causing pain. Accidents, falls, or repetitive motions at work can also trigger discomfort. And in some cases, conditions like scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or osteoporosis can play a role.
Interestingly, for most people, there’s no single clear reason for their pain—it’s just part of life’s wear and tear.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Back Pain?
Symptoms of low back pain can vary widely and may include the following:
- Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the lower back
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks, legs, or hips (sometimes called sciatica)
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
- Difficulty moving, standing, or walking
- Sleep disturbances and low mood due to persistent pain
If you ever notice severe pain, numbness, weakness, or trouble with bladder or bowel control, seek medical help right away.
How Is Low Back Pain Diagnosed?
When you visit a doctor for low back pain, they will likely ask you a few questions: when the pain began, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily life. They will then do a physical exam to check your movement, posture, and nerve function. Sometimes, they will conduct tests like X-rays or MRIs to get a closer look at what’s going on inside.
If they suspect nerve issues are a factor, they may schedule tests for your nerves and muscles. All of these examinations will help your doctor figure out the best way to improve your pain.
Why See a Physiatrist for Low Back Pain?
Physiatrists specialize in helping people move better and feel better, without the need for surgery. They look at the big picture, considering not just your acute pain symptoms but also how they affect your whole life. When you see a physiatrist, you will receive a personalized plan that might include physical therapy, medications, injections, or newer treatments like regenerative medicine. They will always focus on helping you get back to the activities you love, using the least invasive methods possible.
What Treatments Do Physiatrists Perform for Low Back Pain?
Physiatrists offer a wide range of non-surgical treatments to help people find relief from low back pain and get back to their daily lives. Each physiatrist personalizes their approach to reduce each patient’s specific type of pain.
Many treatment plans begin with conservative therapies, which often include physical therapy, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other oral medications. However, some patients find that these interventions only work in the short term.
When the pain persists or worsens, your physiatrist may recommend more serious interventions. For instance, they may recommend steroid injections to reduce inflammation around your spinal nerves, providing relief for conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs. They may also look into facet joint injections to target the small joints in your spine, easing chronic pain and stiffness. Nerve blocks, which involve injecting anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication near specific nerves, can also help block pain signals and improve your comfort.
Those who suffer from painful muscle knots may benefit from trigger point injections, and some physiatrists may use advanced diagnostic tools like electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to better understand your specific nerve and muscle function.
For patients with persistent or complex pain, your physiatrist may look into radiofrequency ablation (using heat to disrupt pain signals), spinal cord stimulation (implanting a device to manage nerve pain), or regenerative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous stem cell injections. Some physiatrists also offer acupuncture and other innovative therapies to support healing and pain relief.
Your qualified physiatrist will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your restorative needs and goals.
What Can You Do to Prevent Low Back Pain?
Prevention strategies include the following:
- Regular physical activity, focusing on strengthening back and core muscles
- Practicing good posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping
- Using proper lifting techniques—lifting with your legs, not your back
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on your back
- Avoiding smoking and managing stress, both of which can contribute to back pain
- Taking breaks from prolonged sitting and using ergonomic furniture
When Should You See a Physiatrist for Low Back Pain?
If your back pain refuses to go away, it’s time to see a licensed physiatrist.
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine (LISRM), our team truly listens and cares about your journey to recovery. The doctors here are board-certified physiatrists with advanced training in spine and musculoskeletal care. We use the latest non-surgical treatments, from advanced injections to regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), to help your body heal itself.
Experience Relief with the Physiatrist Approach at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine
Don’t let low back pain control your life. The caring team at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine is ready to help you find relief and get moving again, without surgery. Make an appointment with us today and see why so many Long Islanders trust LISRM for their spine and musculoskeletal care.