Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain affects millions of people worldwide. At Apteum Spine, we utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options, including robotic-assisted surgery, to help you find lasting relief.
Understanding Lower Back Pain
The lower back (lumbar region) supports the weight of the upper body and is subject to significant mechanical stress. Lower back pain can originate from muscles, ligaments, joints, discs, or nerves in the lumbar spine. It is one of the most common reasons for missed work and visits to the doctor, and it is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can result from muscle or ligament strains, bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, skeletal irregularities, or osteoporosis. Risk factors include age, lack of exercise, excess weight, improper lifting, psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety, and smoking. Some conditions like kidney stones or infections can also cause lower back pain.
When to Seek Professional Help
Most lower back pain improves within a few weeks with self-care. However, you should see a doctor if the pain persists for more than a few weeks, is severe and doesn’t improve with rest, spreads down one or both legs (especially below the knee), causes weakness or numbness, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or bladder/bowel problems.
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Understanding Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor — and one of the most likely to be over-treated. The key is an accurate diagnosis. At Apteum Spine, we determine what is actually driving your pain and recommend the right treatment, surgical or not, with surgery reserved for when it is truly necessary.
Symptoms That Warrant Evaluation
• Pain lasting more than a few weeks or steadily worsening
• Pain radiating into the leg (sciatica)
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg
• Pain following a fall or accident
• Emergency: loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden severe leg weakness
Treatment Options
• Physical therapy, activity modification, and core strengthening
• Anti-inflammatory medication and injections
• Minimally invasive surgery when conservative care fails and there is a clear, correctable cause
Diagnosis
A thorough history and exam, with imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT) when indicated, to identify the source before treatment.
Common Causes
Muscle or ligament strain, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, arthritis, or injury from an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rest or stay active?
Gentle activity usually beats prolonged bed rest for most low back pain.
When should I see a spine specialist?
If pain persists beyond a few weeks, radiates, or comes with weakness or numbness.
Medically reviewed by Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS — board-certified neurosurgeon. Last updated: June 2026. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. For urgent symptoms, call (609) 831-0998 or go to the nearest emergency room.