BMC’s Yawkey building doors are now closed as an entrance as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our campus and provide you with the best clinical care.

All patients and visitors on our main campus must enter our hospital via Shapiro, Menino, or Moakley buildings, where they will be greeted by team members at a new centralized check-in desk before continuing to the hospital. We are excited to welcome you and appreciate your patience as we improve our facilities.

Low Back Pain

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Low back pain is a common medical diagnosis estimated to affect 60-70% of the population in their lifetime. Low back pain can be brief, can last a short period from a few days to weeks, and can also evolve into a chronic condition with persistent symptoms lasting greater than 12 weeks. Low back pain can deleteriously impact a patient’s function and sleep. It is one of the leading causes of disability affecting many people worldwide. Treatment for low back pain must be directed at the many underlying causes of low back pain. Common causes of low back pain include myofascial and muscle problems, lumbar spondylosis, lumbar disc degeneration, spinal arthritis, spinal canal stenosis, lumbar radiculopathy (commonly called “sciatica”), and sacroiliac joint disease.

Common Symptoms

  • Pain centered over the low back and upper pelvis
  • Muscle tightness and spasms
  • Shooting pain, numbness or tingling that may travel into the legs
  • Weakness

Diagnostics

  • Bedside examination
  • X-rays
  • CT of the lumbar spine
  • MRI of the lumbar spine

Treatment

  • Physical therapy
  • Lumbar epidural steroid injections
  • Lumbar spine surgery

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Neurology

The Neurology Department offers a full spectrum of neurological care for all neurological disorders, from epilepsy to headaches to Alzheimer’s disease. Our robust research program…
Neurology
department

Spine Surgery

We provide comprehensive surgical treatment for all spine-related conditions, including less invasive surgical techniques that lead to faster recovery times and reduced pain.
Spine Surgery