Lower back pain is incredibly common. In fact, around % of people experience it at some point in their lives! At The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice, we understand how debilitating lower back and knee pain can be, impacting everything from daily activities to overall quality of life. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective lower back and knee pain treatment.

Understanding Lower Back and Knee Pain

Lower back pain can stem from various sources, including injuries, specific conditions, or diseases, with the most common culprits being affected muscles or tendons in the back. The pain itself can vary drastically, ranging from a mild ache to severe discomfort. You might experience it suddenly or gradually, sometimes without a clear trigger. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or dull pain
• Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs (sciatica)
• Stiffness
• Posture problems
• Muscle spasms

Treatment Options for Lower Back and Knee Pain

Fortunately, numerous treatment options are available to alleviate lower back pain and improve your overall well-being. Here are some common and effective approaches:

Medication

Prescription pain medications are often a first-line treatment to relieve lower back pain. Your doctor might prescribe muscle relaxants for mild to moderate pain. Interestingly, antidepressants have also been shown to help, even when depression isn’t a factor. A range of medications can help treat back and knee pain. These drugs are often used with other treatments such as physical therapy or chiropractic treatments to achieve optimal relief.

Injections

For chronic back pain, especially when nerve pain like sciatica is involved, injections can provide significant relief. Epidural steroid injections, for example, deliver steroids and anesthesia into the epidural space to reduce pain and inflammation, with effects lasting up to three months. Spinal cord stimulation is often used when non-surgical pain relief measures have been unsuccessful.

Regenerative Therapy

This exciting field offers injection-based treatments that use your own cells to promote healing. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy utilizes platelets from a small blood sample, while stem cell therapy involves extracting and injecting your stem cells directly into the lower back.

Physical Therapy

If medication doesn’t provide enough relief, a physical therapist (PT) can create a tailored exercise program to alleviate your lower back pain. This plan will likely include gentle stretches to improve blood flow to your spine and back muscles.

A typical physiotherapy treatment plan has three phases:

• Acute phase: Initial treatments may include heat therapy, cold therapy, massage, and/or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).
• Recovery phase: You’ll learn additional activities and exercises to strengthen your back and increase flexibility, gradually reducing pain.
• Maintenance phase: Your therapist will teach you how to maintain your fitness regimen as part of your daily life to help you stay motivated and prevent future issues.

Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor can help address underlying issues causing your discomfort through various techniques. These may include applying ice to reduce inflammation, massage to increase range of motion, and chiropractic manipulation to mobilize restricted areas.

Surgery

Surgery is typically reserved for cases where back pain is linked to structural problems that haven’t responded to other treatments, such as a herniated disc or spinal compression. The good news is that many back pain surgeries are now outpatient procedures, allowing for same-day discharge and faster recovery.

What About Shingles and Lower Back Pain?

While shingles and lower back pain aren’t directly related in terms of causation, shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful rash, can sometimes affect the nerves in the lower back region, leading to localized pain. If you suspect you have shingles, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention.

Taking an Active Role in Your Recovery

Remember, effective lower back and knee pain treatment often involves a combination of approaches and an active role from you. By understanding the potential causes of your pain and exploring the available treatment options, you can work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that gets you back to feeling your best!