Lower back pain is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by discomfort or stiffness in the lower region of the spine, this pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation that hinders daily activities. 

Understanding the causes and treatments of lower back pain is essential for individuals seeking relief and preventing future occurrences.

What is Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain occurs in the lumbar spine, the region between the rib cage and the pelvis. The lower back supports much of the body’s weight and plays a critical role in movement, balance, and stability. When this area becomes strained or injured, the result is often discomfort, pain, and restricted mobility.

Additionally, lower back pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks and often resolves on its own with appropriate care. Chronic lower back pain persists for 12 weeks or longer and may require more extensive treatment.

What is the Main Cause of Lower Back Pain?

While lower back pain can have many causes, one of the most prevalent is muscle strain or ligament sprain. Everyday activities like bending, lifting, or even standing for long periods can overstress the lower back, causing inflammation and pain. This type of pain is typically acute and may resolve with rest and conservative treatments. 

Other conditions, such as herniated discs and degenerative disc disease, are also significant contributors. Poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity can exacerbate or contribute to these conditions, leading to recurring or chronic lower back pain.

How to Release Pressure in the Lower Back?

Releasing pressure in the lower back is essential to alleviating pain and discomfort. Stretching exercises that target the spine, hips, and hamstrings can help reduce tightness and improve mobility. Specific stretches, such as the cat-cow pose, child’s pose, and pelvic tilts, can relieve pressure on the lower back and improve flexibility. Additionally, maintaining proper and correct posture while sitting and standing can prevent excessive pressure on the lumbar region.

Using an ergonomic chair, supporting the lower back with a cushion, and avoiding prolonged sitting are simple yet effective ways to release pressure in this area. For some, manual therapy, such as spinal manipulation or massage, can also help relieve pressure by improving spinal alignment and loosening tense muscles.

Also Read: Back Pain: Five Exercises That Can Lead to Long-Term Damage

How to Relieve Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain can often be managed with a variety of noninvasive treatments aimed at relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility. For those suffering from acute or chronic back pain, it is important to explore options that provide effective relief without the need for surgical intervention. The following are some of the most widely recommended noninvasive treatments for lower back pain:

1. Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises and stretches help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improving flexibility, stability, and posture. Physical therapists also provide instruction on proper body mechanics to prevent further injury.
2. Hot and Cold Therapy: Alternating between heat and cold packs can help reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Cold therapy is particularly useful in the first 48 hours of acute pain to limit swelling, while heat therapy helps relax tight muscles and improve circulation.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be highly effective in managing pain and reducing inflammation associated with lower back pain.
4. Massage Therapy: For individuals with tight muscles or soft tissue injuries, massage therapy can help release tension, improve blood flow, and reduce discomfort. Regular sessions may help alleviate chronic lower back pain linked to muscle strain.
5. Stretching and Yoga: Regular stretching, particularly yoga, can improve flexibility, strengthen core muscles, and reduce tension in the lower back. Specific yoga poses, such as the child’s pose and cat-cow stretch, are beneficial for releasing pressure on the lumbar region.

Minimally Invasive Procedures for Lower Back Pain at VISP

For individuals who do not respond to traditional noninvasive treatments, our experts at VISP offer a range of minimally invasive procedures to target specific sources of chronic lower back pain. 

These procedures are performed by highly trained interventional radiologists who use advanced imaging techniques to provide accurate and effective treatments.

• Discography: Discography is a diagnostic procedure used to determine whether a damaged disc is the source of back pain. During this procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the discs, and the patient’s response to the injection helps identify the problematic disc. If the patient experiences pain similar to their usual symptoms, the injected disc is likely the source, allowing the physician to tailor the treatment plan.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI scan is one of the most critical diagnostic tools in assessing lower back pain. It provides highly detailed images of the spine, soft tissues, and nerves, helping to diagnose conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, nerve compression, and other spinal abnormalities. MRI is especially useful for identifying issues that may not be visible on X-rays, allowing physicians to tailor treatments based on precise imaging.
• Selective Nerve Root Blocks (SNRB): Used to treat pain caused by inflamed nerves due to arthritis or disc problems. Anti-inflammatory medication is injected to reduce pain.
• Facet Injections: Anti-inflammatory and numbing medications are injected into facet joints to relieve pain from arthritis or injury.
• Paraspinal Joint Injections: Similar to facet injections, these target joints near the spine, such as the sacroiliac or costovertebral joints, to reduce inflammation.
• Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI): Effective for conditions like sciatica, ESIs reduce inflammation around the spinal nerves to alleviate chronic pain.
• Vertebral Cement Augmentation (VCA): Minimally invasive procedures like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty stabilize fractured vertebrae using medical-grade bone cement.
• Spine Biopsy: Used to diagnose potential tumors or infections causing back pain by extracting a sample from the spine under image guidance.

Find Lasting Relief from Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a widespread issue that can be caused by various factors, from muscle strain to degenerative diseases. Fortunately, many noninvasive treatments are available to provide back pain relief and improve quality of life. If pain persists, it’s crucial to seek professional medical advice to determine the underlying cause and explore advanced treatment options. 
Our vein specialist doctors at Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Prescott (VISP) offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Don’t let lower back pain limit your daily activities—contact us to explore effective, noninvasive solutions for lasting relief.