Lumbar Spine

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Problems Of The Low Back

At least 80 -90% of the population will, at some time in their lives, be affected by a back injury  or Low Back Pain. Low Back Pain from a back injury, sciatica  or other causes can affect the entire range of the population and is not necessarily confined to the older age groups. The causes of lumbar strain vary greatly and may be difficult to identify.

Typical Course Of Lumbar Strain

For the most part, lumbar strain is only temporary and most patients recover within a 2-12 week time frame depending on cause and severity of a potential back injury. Of most concern with back pain is the incident of recurrence in those that have experienced one episode.

Signs And Symptoms Of Back Muscle Injury To Be
Taken Seriously

• Sustained pain at night or when at rest, fever or unexplained weight loss in combination with back pain
• Pain in very young or elderly (under age 15 or over age 60) that has no apparent cause
• Extreme and sudden pain following a mild fall or other simple trauma with recurring infection
• Altered sensation or sharp and shooting pains that radiate down to the lower leg, ankle or foot

In the event that these back injury symptoms occur, it is recommended that you contact your physician without delay.

Recommended Lumbar Spine Treatment

Lumbar spine treatment is dependent on severity and cause of the symptoms. Acute lumbar strain may resolve quickly with the adequate amount of rest combined with proper activity. Excessive bed rest or inactivity may actually delay recovery. It is important for those serious cases of acute back pain to get an accurate diagnosis and the proper lumbar spine treatment. This is more often important to rule out any serious underlying and progressive disease or problem that can worsen and create permanent damage.

Low back pain in over 95 % of the cases is managed conservatively with lumbar spine treatment, without the need for surgery. Gentle stretching, adequate rest, occasional anti-inflammatory usage or muscle relaxers can assist the patient over the acute phase of lumbar strain. Maintaining an adequate level of fitness, flexibility, strength and applying appropriate body maneuvers with lifting techniques can go a long way in avoiding this problem.

What Are The Most Common Predisposing Factors

To The Onset Of Lumbar Strain?

Incidence of back pain appears higher in that population of patients that maintain poor physical condition and health, poor posture and body mechanics and generally a stressful lifestyle. In the younger population, back pain is most often attributed to a combination of rapid growth, tight musculature (especially the hamstring [back of thigh] muscles) and poor posture.

For more information on how the lumbar spine treatment specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-297-0000 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC.