Back Pain (Lumbar Pain)

Back pain is a common issue that affects millions of Americans, and nearly everyone will experience low back pain, or lumbar pain, at some point in their lives. While the severity of pain may vary, and although it may be fleeting, there are a number of conditions and diseases that can cause chronic, severe, and debilitating pain. In many cases, these underlying issues can greatly reduce a person’s quality of life.

Lumbar pain (also known as lower back pain) is most often caused by sprains, strains, and disc degeneration. Although difficult to bear, these issues can often be effectively treated through conservative (non-surgical) approaches, including medication, rest, and physical therapy. In cases where noninvasive care does not alleviate pain or improve mobility, or when there is an underlying condition or disorder, surgery may be required.

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our board-certified spine surgeons take a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to treating lumbar pain and common spine conditions, including specialization in surgery of the spine. Our focus is on helping you return to an active lifestyle and to helping you meet the demands of daily life free from chronic pain and limitations. We achieve this through a comprehensive approach that begins with diagnosing your underlying issues.

Diagnosing Back Pain

Our specialists place an emphasis on accurate diagnoses, which is why we work personally with patients to understand their symptoms and medical history. We then utilize innovative technology and tools to help identify any serious causes of pain. These include tests and imaging tools such as bone scans, CT scans, MRI, X-ray, EMG, discography, SSEP, and more. Once your underlying condition is diagnosed, we can evaluate available treatment options and customize care according to your needs.