Find Relief for Lower Back Pain in Northern California
Much of your upper body weight is supported by your lumbar spine, or lower back. Pain in this area may be constant or periodic. It can range from mild to severe, and can be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting). Low back pain is the most common type of back pain, with most instances resolving on their own.
Low back pain can greatly affect your quality of life. At Dignity Health North State, we offer a range of orthopedic services designed to help you get back to your normal daily activities. Our orthopedic doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating the source of your back pain. Let us help you find relief from your lower back pain in Northern California — Find a Doctor who’s right for you.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
Low back pain has many potential causes. One of the most common causes of lower back pain is overuse. This type of injury causes sore, aching muscles, and usually resolves within a few days.
Spinal conditions and injuries are also responsible for many cases of lower back pain. These problems include:
- Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal
- Spinal arthritis
- Ruptured, degenerated, or herniated discs
- Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
Lower Back Pain Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of low back pain include pain that can be sharp, stabbing, dull, achy, or cramping. The pain can start slowly or come on quickly. Regardless of the type of pain, most people find relief by lying down or reclining.
Lower Back Pain Treatments at Dignity Health North State
Our primary focus is not only alleviating pain but treating pain at its source to prevent future problems. At Dignity Health North State, we will design your specialized treatment plan based on:
- What caused your injury
- The severity of your symptoms
- Your medical history and risk factors
Most cases of lower back pain resolve within a few weeks. During that time, you can ease your pain with:
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines
- Stretching
- Hot and cold therapy
- Massage
For persistent or severe lower back pain, your doctor may prescribe a back brace, physical therapy, or stronger pain relievers. If you are still experiencing pain after six to 12 months of nonsurgical treatments back surgery may be a good option. Your doctor will explain your options at every step, always prioritizing your well-being.
Dignity Health North State offers complete care from diagnosis to recovery for causes of lower back pain in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.