Spinal pain in the cervical region (neck), thoracic (mid back) and lumbar region (lower back) are very common and responsible for many lost workdays. Lumbar muscle strains and sprains are the most common causes of low back pain. The thoracic spine can also be a site of spinal pain, but because it is much more rigid, the mid-spine area is much less frequently injured than the neck or lower back.
The lumbar and cervical spine are prone to strain because of their weight-bearing functions and involvement in moving, twisting and bending. Lumbar sprain is caused when ligaments, the tough bands that hold bones together, are unusually stretched. These can result from a sudden injury or from gradual overuse. Sprains cause inflammation of soft tissues, which leads to pain and may cause muscle spasms.
Non-surgical low back, cervical and thoracic pain usually affects the central soft tissue without radiating into the arms, chest or down the legs. Pain radiating from the spine into the extremities or chest wall implies structural pinching of the nerves in the spine that might require a surgical opinion if the situation fails to improve within weeks using non-surgical symptom treatments. Other symptoms include:
Reduced activity and bed rest for a short period from one to three days can help. Best rest should be as brief as possible, because prolonged bed rest can lead to loss of muscle strength and increased muscle stiffness, which only adds to your pain and discomfort. Your initial medical treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medication if your pain is mild to moderate. Muscle relaxers and narcotic pain medication can be added or substituted in cases of more severe pain.
A cervical spine specialist or lower back pain specialist from our lower back pain clinic may recommend physical therapy for a treatment specifically designed for spinal pain. Physical therapy can include traction, gentle massage, ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation and stretching exercises.
According to our lower back pain doctor, most people can expect complete recovery from a lumbar strain or sprain injury. Over 90 percent of patients completely recover from a lumbar muscle strain or sprain within 30 days. However, lower back strain may develop into a chronic condition unless you make an effort to change habits that contributed to the problem.
When you obtain treatment here, you will receive a pain management program customized precisely to your unique circumstances.
According to the Health Policy Institute at Georgetown University, 16 million American adults suffer with chronic, persistent back pain.
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Read MoreSpinal pain in the cervical region (neck), thoracic (mid back) and lumbar region (lower back) are very common and responsible for many lost workdays.
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Read MoreDon ’t Live in Pain! Call Dr. Wahi at the Midwest Physician Pain Center Today.