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Questions and Answers: A Look at Back Pain |
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Dr. James Loddengaard is an orthopaedic surgeon in Torrance and on the medical staff of Little Company of Mary Hospital – Torrance. He attended the UCLA School of Medicine and completed his Internship in Categorical Medicine and Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center. He has been in practice as an orthopaedic surgeon for more than 22 years. |
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A: As people age, bone strength and muscle elasticity and tone tend to decrease. The discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility, which decreases their ability to cushion the vertebrae. If someone lifts something too heavy or overstretches it may injure one of the muscles, ligaments, joints or discs in the back. Discs may rupture or bulge outward and put pressure on one of the more than 50 nerves rooted to the spinal cord. Pain may also be caused by degenerative conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis or other bone diseases, viral infections, irritation to joints and discs, or congenital abnormalities in the spine. Obesity, smoking, weight gain during pregnancy, stress, poor physical condition, poor posture, psychological issues, and poor sleeping position also may contribute to low back pain. Q: How is back pain diagnosed? A: A thorough medical history and physical by your primary care doctor is the first step. He or she may ask you to describe the onset, site, and severity of the pain; duration of symptoms and any limitations in movement; and history of previous episodes or any health conditions that might be related to the pain. In addition, your doctor may order imaging tests such as an X-ray and/or MRI, which will help them to visualize your spine and the areas of injury. Q: How is back pain treated? A: Most back pain can be treated conservatively with progressive activity and antiinflammatory medications. Bed rest for more than a day or two is not recommended. For severe episodes of low back pain, your physician may prescribe other medications and can also order physical therapy. Q: When should I see a surgeon for low back pain? A: If the problem is not getting better with time, exercise and medications, or if there is leg pain, numbness or weakness, then a consultation with a spine surgeon is appropriate. Continue » |
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