Lower Back Pain Specialist

What is lower back pain?

Lower back pain is any discomfort or sensitivity that affects your lumbar spine –– the area of your back between your belly button and waist. 

Lower back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that occurs for various reasons, including poor posture, muscle strains, and arthritis. Though it usually isn’t a cause for concern, if your symptoms persist, contact Dr. Addona.

What causes lower back pain?

Common causes of lower back pain include:

• Sciatica
• Herniated discs
• Accident injuries
• Work injuries
• Sports injuries
• Spinal stenosis
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Pregnancy

You might also experience lower back pain due to a spinal abnormality caused by a condition like scoliosis or kyphosis. 

When should I see a doctor of chiropractic about lower back pain?

Make an appointment to see Dr. Addona if you experience lower back pain and it lasts for several weeks without improving. That’s especially true if your symptoms persist or get worse, even after taking over-the-counter pain medication, resting, and alternating between ice and heat therapy.

How is lower back pain diagnosed?

To diagnose lower back pain, Dr. Addona reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including whether the pain is sharp, dull, or shooting, and if certain activities, like exercising or working, make them worse. 

Next, he conducts a physical exam to assess how the pain affects your posture and range of motion. To do that, Dr. Addona tests your reflexes, checks your muscle strength, and has you perform a series of flexibility tests. 

If Dr. Addona is unable to determine what’s causing your pain, he might also order X-rays or an MRI. These diagnostic imaging techniques capture detailed photos of your hard and soft tissues and can identify herniated discs, fractures, or other underlying medical issues.

How is lower back pain treated?

Dr. Addona uses conservative and noninvasive treatments to manage lower back pain. If your symptoms are mild, healthy lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising regularly, and practicing good posture may be enough to improve your quality of life. 

If your symptoms are the result of work or sports, Dr. Addona might recommend routine chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, extracorporeal pulse activated technology (EPAT®), or flexion distraction.

Ultimately, the goal of chiropractic care is to relieve pain and enhance your mobility.

To explore the various treatment options for lower back pain, make an appointment at the practice of Mark Addona, DC, by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.