Low back pain is a common medical diagnosis estimated to affect 60-70 percent 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



 

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  department###  [Musculoskeletal Medicine and Pain Management Program](/departments/orthopedic-surgery/musculoskeletal-medicine-and-pain-management-program) 

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