4 Common Causes for Lower Back Pain in Watkinsville
Spinal abnormalities revealed by imaging are surprisingly common even among asymptomatic people; that’s why discovering the root cause of your lower back pain determines your treatment and recovery. However, if you know the common causes reported for lower back pain in Watkinsville, you can get a sense of whether your habits or daily activities trigger a specific condition. Most of our patients report the following common causes:
1. Herniated Discs
Your backbone is your body’s support in almost every movement; therefore, vertebral discs must be healthy to ensure optimal mobility. A herniated disc occurs when the soft jelly center of a disc pushes through a tear in the tougher exterior. When it happens, the internal movement constantly irritates nearby nerves, producing a shooting pain in your lower back and preventing you from performing specific movements or causing discomfort while standing or sitting for long periods.
2. Spinal Stenosis Producing Lower Back Pain
Another common cause of lower back pain in Watkinsville is spinal stenosis, a condition that occurs when your spine is compressed, putting pressure on your surrounding nerves. However, this condition can worsen over time and can lead to complications that may affect your long-term mobility. Likewise, this condition is related to wear and tear, aging, or osteoarthritis and many patients report that the pain improves when leaning forward but worsens when walking or standing straight.
3. Spondylolisthesis
This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. Generally, it is the result of aging or a stress fracture produced by your daily routine or sudden impacts; however, it is necessary to be treated because it can pinch nerves and lead to both lower back pain and leg weakness. For spondylolisthesis, proper imaging is essential to ensure a precise diagnosis, localize the vertebrae, and determine the degree of slip to tailor the necessary intervention. At our office in Watkinsville, our specialists can support your diagnosis with modern imaging.
4. Muscle Strain
Overstretching your muscles is common when you practice a sport or your daily work tasks require it; however, it can trigger a muscle strain in your lower back, producing sharp pain and making you feel your muscles “overworked.” Likewise, after sudden and repetitive movements, if you have not warmed up enough, your muscles are more prone to strain. Therefore, if you think you have a muscle strain, you must visit your orthopedist to discover the degree of the strain and prevent complications.
When to Seek Specialized Care in Watkinsville?
If you are struggling with lower back pain, maybe you are wondering if you must visit an orthopedist or if the pain is just muscular; however, keep in mind that if you don’t treat a lower back condition, it can develop more serious mobility problems or become unbearable pain in your routine. Therefore, don’t wait until your condition prevents you from keeping your normal life rhythm, and be alert to the following warning signs:
- Pain that lasts longer than four to six weeks despite rest or medication
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
- Pain affects your sleeping quality or your performance in your daily work tasks
- Sharp pain following a specific injury in your lower back pain
🏃♀️Related content: 4 New Causes for Long-Term Low Back Pain in Georgia
Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Options in Watkinsville
At Arch Orthopedic & Spine, we perform innovative treatments to help you relieve pain, treating the root cause and not just the symptoms. Our wide range of treatments includes an alternative to stay active and resume your favorite activities in less time with long-term results.
Non-Surgical Options for Lower Back Pain
For patients who don’t want to stop their daily activities or are looking to avoid surgical procedures as much as possible, to avoid risks. Therefore, our experienced team in Watkinsville offers non-surgical options to prevent complications and treat the pain without long recovery periods. Our available non-surgical alternatives for lower back pain include:
- Epidural Steroid Injections
- Facet Joint Injections
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Surgical Options in Watkinsville
Our surgical alternatives bring total and definitive relief for your lower back pain in Watkinsville. We understand how important it is for you to regain your mobility by addressing the root cause of your pain and allowing your body to heal naturally; therefore, our surgical treatments are your best path if you are seeking long-term solutions for your lower back pain. Our available surgical treatments in Watkinsville are:
- Lumbar disc replacement
- Microdiscectomy
- Anterior cervical discectomy
- Cervical laminoplasty
- Extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion
Schedule Your Consultation for Lower Back Pain in Watkinsville
Don’t struggle with lower back pain; begin your treatment before it develops complications or becomes part of your daily routine. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Fielding Callaway, will take your case and work toward the best possible recovery process, tailored to your routine and lifestyle. Schedule your appointment and leave the pain behind.
