Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit a primary care physician. The lumbar spine is a complex structure of bones, joints, nerves, and muscles — and pain can originate from any of them.
The good news: most back pain resolves within 4–6 weeks with appropriate conservative treatment — rest, activity modification, NSAIDs, and targeted physical therapy. Surgery is rarely needed and usually reserved for cases with neurological compromise or failure of conservative management.
Sudden onset, often from injury or strain. Lasts less than 6 weeks. 90% of cases resolve with conservative care.
Persists beyond 3 months. Often multifactorial — mechanical, inflammatory, neuropathic, or psychosocial components.
Nucleus pulposus pushes through annulus fibrosus, potentially compressing nerve roots. Common at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels.
Radiating pain down the leg along the sciatic nerve distribution. May include numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Overstretched or torn muscle fibers. Most common cause of back pain. Usually responds well to rest and anti-inflammatories.
Degenerative changes in facet joints and disc spaces. More common with age. Managed with activity modification and medication.
We follow a step-wise, evidence-based approach — starting conservative and escalating only when clinically appropriate.
First-line pharmacotherapy for acute pain. Ibuprofen, naproxen, or prescribed cyclobenzaprine to reduce inflammation and spasm.
Avoid bed rest — stay active within tolerable limits. Specific activity restrictions and modifications based on the cause.
Referral for targeted strengthening, flexibility, and postural correction. McKenzie method for disc-related pain.
Corticosteroid injections for significant radiculopathy. Coordinated with pain management specialists when indicated.
Diclofenac gel, lidocaine patches, or capsaicin cream for localized pain with minimal systemic effects.
Neurosurgery or orthopedic referral when red flags are present, neurological deficit worsens, or conservative treatment fails after 6–12 weeks.
These symptoms require urgent or emergent evaluation and should never be ignored.
Bowel/bladder dysfunction with back pain — emergency evaluation needed immediately.
Numbness in groin, inner thighs, or buttocks — urgent MRI required.
Worsening leg weakness or foot drop — needs prompt imaging and specialist evaluation.
New back pain in cancer patients requires evaluation for metastatic disease.
Combined with back pain may suggest serious systemic pathology.
Pain that worsens at night or at rest, not improved with position changes.
Planks, dead bugs, bird dogs, and bridges build the deep stabilizing muscles that protect your spine.
Hip flexor and hamstring stretching reduces lumbar load. Yoga and Pilates are evidence-based for back pain prevention.
Proper workstation setup, monitor height, lumbar support, and regular position changes reduce cumulative strain.
Every extra pound of body weight adds 4 pounds of force on your lumbar spine. Weight management is therapeutic.
Low-impact aerobic exercise improves disc nutrition and builds endurance in postural muscles. Aim for 30 min daily.
Side sleeping with a pillow between knees or back sleeping with a pillow under knees reduces spinal stress overnight.
Don't let back pain limit your life. Our team will evaluate your condition thoroughly and create a personalized plan to get you moving pain-free.
Comprehensive spine assessment available