Low Back Pain Treatment in Panama
The treatment of low back pain, also known as low back pain or lumbago, is a very common problem in medical consultations with spine specialists. Low back pain can occur as a result of multiple problems in this area of the spine, which includes everything related to the vertebrae (bone structures), discs, muscles, and ligaments.
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Aging is one of the main causes of the appearance of low back pain, affecting approximately 50% of people over 60 years of age.
The lumbar spine makes up the lower stretch of the spine, starting at the end of the thoracic spine and ending where the sacral bone begins. The structures of the lumbar region are flexible, allowing the correct execution of the rotation, flexion and torsion movements; as well as providing the necessary support for the human body to stand, walk and carry objects.
As we can see, the lumbar spine is an indispensable structure to perform most of the tasks of daily life; therefore, low back pain can negatively influence daily activities and decrease the quality of life of the person who suffers from it. Low back pain can be treated Contact Me!
Forms of low back pain treatment that I can help you with
In consultation, the first thing I will do as a spine specialist is to decipher where low back pain originates through a physical examination. I will carefully evaluate your spine to assess the performance when sitting, standing, walking and moving each of your legs; In this way, I will be able to rate how acute your pain is on the scale of 0 to 10 and what limitations the low back pain is causing, being able to rule out other problems.
Subsequently, if the cause of the pain is clear and the support of imaging tests is not required, I will establish a treatment method according to your current condition, which may include some of these options:
Medications for the treatment of low back pain
As part of the conservative treatment for low back pain, doctors usually recommend: over-the-counter analgesics, muscle relaxants, topical analgesics (ointments, creams, gels, ointments, etc.). All of them should be prescribed by a health professional to ensure that the doses ingested are adequate and that no side effects occur.
Physical therapy for low back pain
Physical therapists will guide you through your recovery process using postural exercises, routines to strengthen your back structures and increase your flexibility; as well as other special techniques to prevent the pain from coming back. I’m sorry to tell you that if you are looking for how to cure lumbago in 5 minutes you will not succeed, you need a specialized treatment.
Surgeries and other treatments
Among other advanced methods to treat chronic pain or acute low back pain treatment are:
Cortisone injections
Epidural steroid injections are a common alternative for treating chronic or radiating low back pain. The procedure involves administering an anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space to reduce the inflammation pressing on the nerve roots, relieving pain temporarily for a couple of months.
Radiofrequency neurotomy
During this medical procedure, a thin needle is carefully inserted into the patient’s back near the point of pain to pass controlled radio waves with the goal of damaging the nerves and disrupting the nerve signals that transmit the sensation of pain to the brain.
Corticosteroid Injections
Epidural or foraminal steroid injections are a common alternative for treating chronic or radiating low back pain. The procedure involves administering an anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space to reduce the inflammation pressing on the nerve roots, relieving pain temporarily for a couple of months.
Implanted nerve stimulators
This is a similar process to the previous one where electrical impulses are also transmitted to the nerves to inhibit pain signals. In this case, the stimulant is previously implanted under the skin.
Surgery for low back pain
Surgery is considered a viable option when low back pain stems from a progressive structural problem, such as a herniated disc that does not respond to other treatments or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis).
Common Symptoms of Low Back Pain
Low back pain is a symptom in itself; Therefore, below we will define the main types of low back pain and what they are due to:
Local pain
Local pain is that which originates in a specific point of the lower back; Among all the others, it is the most recurrent type of low back pain. In most cases, it is caused by a small disc injury, joint arthritis, muscle strain, or sprains.
Local pain usually varies in intensity depending on the changes in position that are adopted, sometimes it can be perceived as constant and of low intensity; while other times, it can appear intermittently and very acutely.
Radiating pain
It is a descending pain that extends from the lumbar vertebrae to the lower extremities, reaching the knee and even ending in the foot. Radiating low back pain is usually the result of compression or impingement of one or more nerves, either by hernias, narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis), degenerative disorders of the joints (osteoarthritis), among others.
Actions such as sneezing, coughing, lifting heavy objects, and bending over can be triggers for this type of low back pain. When there is a lot of pressure on the affected nerve root, the person may feel both back pain and other associated symptoms, including muscle weakness, tingling, and numbness in the legs.
Referred pain
Referred pain is pain that is felt in a place away from its real location, making it very difficult to pinpoint the true origin of the pain. Referred low back pain may be experienced with intensity in the lower back, groin, thighs, and buttocks.
Unlike low back pain due to disorders of the musculoskeletal system, it does not usually worsen when you make movements with your back.
Treatment Options for Low Back Pain
Low back pain can significantly affect a person’s quality of life; however, there are several treatment options that can help relieve this discomfort.
Corticosteroid Injections for Low Back Pain
Corticosteroid injections are an effective option for reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the lower back. This treatment can provide short-term relief, allowing patients to regain mobility and perform their daily activities more comfortably.
Effective Medications for Low Back Pain
Depending on the underlying cause, there are different types of medications that may be prescribed for low back pain, from over-the-counter pain relievers to more specific drugs for chronic pain management. The spine specialist will be able to recommend the most appropriate medication according to the individual needs of each patient.
Steroids and Anabolics in Panama: Uses in Lower Back Treatment
In specific cases, steroid or anabolic treatments may be considered for persistent low back pain. These options should be carefully evaluated by the specialist, as their use carries particular considerations in terms of benefits and risks.
Consultations with the Doctor Specialist in Low Back Pain
What are the causes of low back pain?
Sometimes, low back pain is not directly due to a spinal disorder; We can see this in the common and momentary pains that occur during the menstrual and premenstrual cycle, the appearance of kidney stones, infections in the kidneys, bladder or prostate.
Beyond this, the main causes of low back pain that should be professionally evaluated in consultation are:
Compression fractures in the lumbar vertebrae.
Degenerative osteoarthritis or disc degeneration
Herniated discs.
Lumbar stenosis (vertebral or spinal).
Partial displacement of a lumbar vertebra (spondylolisthesis).
Muscle or ligament injuries.
Fibromyalgia.
Do you have low back pain and want to rule out a serious disorder? Schedule your appointment now!
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my pain is low back?
Low back pain appears as persistent pain in the lower back (at waist level). Depending on the cause that originates it, the pain can be dull or very intense; For this reason, medical evaluation is necessary when the person experiences continuous, uninterrupted pain that does not subside with oral treatment and rest.
What can I do to relieve low back pain while I get to the doctor?
Here's what you can do before you go to your appointment:
- Make sure you get a good night's sleep the night before (we recommend sleeping in the fetal position with a pillow supported between your legs).
- Stay at rest and avoid physically demanding activities that may worsen your condition.
- Apply cold and then warm compresses to reduce inflammation and relax your back.
- Take pain relievers to cope with pain (ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc.).
- Go to your doctor for evaluation.
Why does low back pain occur?
Low back pain can appear due to a simple muscle or ligamentous strain when lifting more weight than usual or when performing a bad movement; But it can also be a warning sign of a more complex injury, for example: a ruptured disc (lumbar herniated disc) or a degenerative process such as arthritis or osteoporosis.
How long can low back pain last?
Common low back pain, also known as acute low back pain, can last for around 1 month (having taken into consideration all medical indications). On the other hand, chronic low back pain from a more severe problem can take months depending on the type of treatment the patient is subjected to.
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I invite you to schedule a medical appointment with me; In this way, I will be able to carefully evaluate your condition and offer you the best treatment or surgery alternatives to eradicate back pain and recover your general well-being.
