Spine pain can be mistaken for common back pain, although its causes tend to be more serious. Conditions such as spondylolisthesis, which occurs when the lower spine slips out of place and onto the next spinal bone, and spondylitis, which is a progressive inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation, stiffness and pain in the various joints of the spine, are among the more severe.
The most common form of spine pain comes from a herniated disc. The bones of the spine are cushioned by small, spongy discs that, when healthy, act as shock absorbers. When a disc is damaged, is can bulge or break, becoming a herniated disc. This condition is also known as a slipped or ruptured disc. A herniated disc can cause pressure on nerve roots, causing pain in the lower back and numbness in the buttocks and down the leg. This manifestation of a herniated disc is also called sciatica, and is the most common symptom of a herniated disc in the lower back.
Treatment can be as non-invasive as over-the-counter pain medication and a heating pad or warm shower. For more severe cases, surgery may be an option. With any herniated disc treatment, exercise and increasing your range of motion will allow you to heal faster. Exercise also helps prevent future injury.
If you are experiencing spine pain, Premier
Ortho can help. Our goal is to make you feel better. Call us today at 812-333-1933 to set up an appointment, or
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