Back pain is one of the most common injuries that keep people away from work and brings them to their doctors, emergency rooms or urgent care. It may present as pain localized to the lower back or radiate to the sciatic region, leg or ankle.
Causes may include muscle or ligament strains, herniated/ bulging discs, arthritis or osteoporosis. Risk factors may include age, lack of exercise, poor lifting mechanics or smoking. It may be aggravated by twisting or lifting items. It may also be one of the initial symptoms of prostate cancer or even kidney stones. An evaluation by a trained physician in muscular skeletal injuries would be appropriate. Dr. Shaffer has been treating muscular skeletal injuries for many years and has obtained board certification in sports medicine, having treated local amateur and professional teams in Mercer County. A full evaluation would determine whether physical therapy or other modalities would be appropriate.
Medications, injections and further imaging studies may be useful in more advanced stages of back pain but 95% of all back pain injuries do not require surgical intervention. The best forms of prevention of back pain and avoiding doctor visits is by performing regular exercise with core strengthening, low impact and improving flexibility. Swimming and walking are good choices. Maintaining a healthy weight will place less strain on the lower back.
