Low Back Pain

Low back pain can happen anywhere below the ribs and above the legs. It is possible to hurt your back when you reach, lift or twist. In fact, almost everyone has low back pain at some point in their lives.

This topic provides a general overview of low back pain. If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, see the topic Herniated Disc or Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. (Link to these article topics).

Low back pain is discomfort in the lumbar area of the spine. Structures in this area include vertebrae (L1-L5), ligaments, and intervertebral discs; spinal cord and associated spinal nerves; and blood vessels, muscles, and tendons.

What causes low back pain?

The most common causes of acute low back pain are trauma (e.g., sports injury or auto accident) and lifting a heavy object with poor technique. External trauma may cause bone fracture and tearing or shearing of discs, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Significant soft tissue damage can also occur with a lifting or moving injury. 

Chronic or recurrent low back pain due to chronic overuse or misuse is most often diagnosed in those in their 30s and 40s, although even children and teens can be affected. Other common causes are degenerative disorders of aging such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, and osteoporosis. Less common causes include diseases such as Paget’s or scoliosis. Rarely, low back pain may be due to an infection (such as osteomyelitis), inflammation (such as spondylitis), or a tumor.

Low back pain may also occur as part of another disorder, such as fibromyalgia or a kidney stone (on the side of the affected kidney).

How is low back pain diagnosed and treated?

The first steps in diagnosis are a thorough patient and family medical history, characterization of the pain, and physical examination. Imaging studies (to show anatomic abnormalities) include plain x-rays or computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and specialized studies such as discography. Electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction (NCV) studies, and evoked potential (EP) studies help to evaluate nerve function.

Nonsurgical treatments for low back pain include analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications; acupuncture; chiropractic manipulation; TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation); applications of cold or heat; ultrasound; stretching and strengthening exercises for back, abdominal, and leg muscles; and education in ways to prevent future injury. Patients should avoid bed rest and follow their exercise plan for safe return to activity as soon as possible. 

Surgery may be indicated to treat traumatic damage, compression causing severe symptoms, and some infections. Procedures include spinal fusion, spinal laminotomy/laminectomy, discectomy, and foraminotomy. Minimally invasive procedures include vertebroplasty, nucleoplasty, radiofrequency lesioning, intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET), rhizotomy, and nerve block. 

Post-injury the patient should begin or resume an approved back exercise program and back-protective activities such as maintaining excellent posture, achieving/maintaining a healthy weight, and working and playing ergonomically, especially when handling heavy objects.

Low back pain is often misdiagnosed. If you have a back pain problem that has lasted longer than six weeks, or if you suspect that you may have more than muscle pain, it might be time to contact Integrated Pain Management for some tests.

What we offer

Our Services

PRP Stem Cell Theraphy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative regenerative therapy that leverages the growth factors in your blood to heal your body.

Headache

Besides treating headache,
Dr. Roofian specializes in treating cervicogenic headaches, a head pain that originates in the neck.

Shoulder Pain

Dr. Roofian offers a variety of treatment solutions designed to treat your temporary or chronic shoulder pain at its source.

Herniated Disk

Dr. Roofian performs a physical exam, evaluates your symptoms & may recommend a digital imaging scan to rule out conditions.

IV Ketamine Infusion Treatment

Dr. Roofian designs individualized treatment protocols based on the nature of your pain and your responsiveness to initial sessions.

Knee Pain

Dr. Roofian is a pain management specialist offering knee pain treatments for men and women of all ages in Beverly Hills, Tarzana, and Chula Vista, California.

Lower Back Pain

Dr. Roofian reviews your personal and family medical history, discusses your pain, and performs a physical examination to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Pain Management on Lien

Dr. Roofian offers healthcare services for personal or workers compensation cases on a lien. If you’ve sustained a personal or work-related injury.

Our Locations

Choose your preferred location

Shawn Roofian, MD, Beverly Hills, CA
Phone (appointments): 310-926-4922 | Phone (general inquiries): 310-926-4922
Address: 8500 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 105, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Shawn Roofian, MD, Tarzana, CA
Phone (appointments): 310-926-4922 | Phone (general inquiries): 310-926-4922
Address: 5620 Wilbur Avenue, Suite 305, Tarzana, CA 91356

Shawn Roofian, MD, Glendale, CA
Phone (appointments): 310-926-4922 | Phone (general inquiries): 310-926-4922
Address: 111 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91206

4.91/5 |
(66 reviews)