The spine involves a complex system of interconnected bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, and muscles that all work together to provide strength and flexibility. However, the multiple points of articulation make the spine more vulnerable to damage and discomfort over time. Pain can range from a faint aching to a strong stabbing sensation. Based on the duration, the classification of back pain includes:

• Acute (lasting less than 6 weeks)
• Sub-chronic (6 to 12 weeks)
• Chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks)  

The underlying cause of the back pain includes mechanical cause, non-mechanical cause, or referred pain. Back pain symptoms normally improve within a few weeks after onset, with 40–90 percent of patients fully healed by six weeks. This is common among job-related injuries. Low back pain will affect a minimum of 80% of Americans at some point during their lives.

While uncommon, some Orthopedic Spine Specialists may use the medical term “Lumbago” as a blanket term to refer to general lower back pain. A great many conditions can contribute to lower back pain, and patients should consult a spinal specialist in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Some causes of Lumbago can include:

• Herniated Discs
• Osteoarthritis
• Fractures caused by Osteoporosis 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Scoliosis
• Spinal Stenosis 
• Spinal Tumors 

Epidural Steroid Injections

Steroidal medication injected into a painful joint space can help soothe pain in arthritic joints. Injecting corticosteroids into an arthritic joint will not provide permanent relief on its own,  it can dramatically reduce inflammation and pain. The effects can last anywhere between 1 week to 1 year. Injections for joint pain are usually one of the steps taken before resorting to surgery. In some patients, steroid injections can reduce pain to the point where patients are able to participate in Physical Therapy, which in turn can strengthen the surrounding muscles and eliminate the need for further treatment.

Physical Therapy

Our Physical Therapists can help manage pain, reducing the need for opioids and sometimes avoiding surgery entirely.

Physical therapy can improved mobility, increase trauma recovery, increase recovery from stroke or paralysis, reduce the risk of falling by increasing muscle strength and improve equilibrium.