What Is Lower Back Pain?
The lower back, or lumbar spine, supports much of the body’s weight and flexibility. Pain in this area can range from mild stiffness to severe, radiating discomfort that extends down the legs. Lower back pain may be acute—lasting a few days or weeks—or chronic, persisting for months. It often involves strained muscles, irritated nerves, or injured discs and ligaments in the spine.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can result from sudden trauma or gradual degeneration of spinal structures. Common causes include:
- Car accidents and auto accident injuries that strain muscles and ligaments.
- Workplace injuries from heavy lifting, twisting, or falls.
- Sports injuries involving sudden movement or overuse.
- Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nerve roots.
- Spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease narrowing the spinal canal.
- Arthritis or bone spurs irritating nearby nerves.
- Poor posture or weak core muscles creating chronic strain.
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction or facet joint inflammation.
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Symptoms can vary based on the cause and severity of injury, but common symptoms include:
- Dull, aching, or sharp lower back pain
- Pain that radiates into the hips, buttocks, or legs
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Pain aggravated by standing, sitting, or bending
- Muscle spasms and sleep disturbances2
Persistent or worsening pain may indicate nerve compression or another serious condition—prompt evaluation is recommended.
How Is Lower Back Pain Diagnosed?
Our specialists in Dallas–Fort Worth use advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques to determine the exact source of pain. Diagnosis may include:
- Physical examination to assess mobility, posture, and muscle strength
- Review of symptoms and medical history
- X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to identify disc, bone, or nerve issues
- Pain mapping to trace nerve pain pathways
- Nerve blocks or diagnostic injections to confirm the origin of pain
Lower Back Pain Treatment Options
At DFW Spine & Pain Institute, we offer comprehensive, minimally invasive treatment options for lower back pain—ranging from conservative therapies to advanced interventional care.
Conservative & Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical therapy – Strengthens core muscles, restores flexibility, and improves spinal alignment.
- Chiropractic care – Addresses spinal misalignments and relieves pressure on nerves.
- Medication management – Includes anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medications, or muscle relaxants for symptom control.
- Steroid injections – Target inflammation around nerve roots or joints to reduce pain.
- Nerve blocks – Temporarily interrupt pain signals to identify or treat specific sources of pain.
- Bursa injections – Reduce inflammation in the soft tissue surrounding joints in the lower back.
- Lifestyle and posture coaching – Teaches ergonomic strategies and movement habits to prevent recurrence.
Advanced Interventional Treatments
- Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy – Uses radiofrequency energy to interrupt pain signals from the facet joints.
- Rhizotomy – Targets irritated nerve roots to provide longer-lasting relief.
- Ketamine infusion therapy – Modulates pain pathways for patients with chronic or neuropathic pain.
- Curonix Freedom®Peripheral Neuromodulation System – Wearable neurostimulation therapy that calms nerve pain and improves function.
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) – Delivers mild electrical impulses to block pain signals before they reach the brain.
Stem cell and regenerative options – Support tissue repair and healing for certain soft tissue or disc injuries.
FAQs About Lower Back Pain
When should I see a doctor for lower back pain?
If your pain lasts more than a few weeks, radiates down your legs, or interferes with daily life, it’s time to see a spine specialist.
Can chiropractic care help?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on nerves and joints, especially when paired with physical therapy and pain management.
Do I need surgery for lower back pain?
In most cases, no. The majority of patients experience relief through non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments offered at DFW Spine & Pain Institute.
Can lower back pain become chronic?
Yes, untreated or recurring strain can lead to chronic pain. Early treatment helps prevent long-term damage and promotes faster recovery.
What is the best treatment plan for me?
Each patient’s plan is unique. After diagnostic testing, we tailor a multimodal approach combining physical therapy, injections, and advanced interventional care.
Find Lasting Relief from Lower Back Pain in Texas
Don’t let lower back pain keep you from the activities you love. At DFW Spine & Pain Institute, we’re dedicated to helping patients across Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding Texas communities find relief through personalized pain management solutions.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward long-term pain relief and restored mobility.
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Get a FREE MRI Review at DFW Spine & Pain Institute
If you have had an MRI but you are still suffering from pain, our specialists offer free MRI reviews. We offer a variety of treatment options at conveniently located offices in Colleyville, Dallas, Frisco, and Rockwall, Texas. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation.
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