Lower Back Pain Q & A
Lower Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common medical conditions worldwide and the leading cause of disability for adults. It can range from mild soreness after physical activity to severe pain that makes it difficult to sit, stand, or sleep comfortably. For some, pain may develop suddenly after an injury; for others, it builds gradually due to years of wear and tear on the spine.
Lower Back Pain Treatment in Athens, GA
At Ashford Pain Solutions in Athens, GA, Dr. James Ashford — an interventional pain management specialist and board-certified anesthesiologist — leads a team dedicated to helping patients find relief from chronic low back pain. Using advanced, minimally invasive treatments, we target the source of pain, reduce reliance on medications, and help patients avoid unnecessary surgery.
What causes low back pain?
Low back pain may develop from a variety of conditions, including:
-
Muscle or ligament strain - often from yardwork, sports, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements
-
Herniated or bulging lumbar discs - discs that press on nerves may cause pain, numbness, or sciatica
-
Arthritis and degenerative disc disease - age-related changes that lead to stiffness and inflammation
-
Spinal stenosis - narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on spinal nerves
-
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction - pain from the joints that connect the spine to the pelvis
-
Trauma or repetitive stress injuries - car accidents, falls, or chronic strain
-
What are the symptoms of lower back pain?
Low back pain can feel different for every patient, but common symptoms include:
-
Aching, stiffness, or soreness in the lower spine
-
Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or bending
-
Radiating pain into the hips, buttocks, or legs (sciatica)
-
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs from nerve compression
-
Limited mobility or difficulty performing daily activities
Aging can effect lower back pain as well. The lumbar spine is a complex structure of bones, joints, discs, muscles, and ligaments that supports much of the body’s weight. Over time, natural wear-and-tear can lead to degenerative changes:
-
Discs that normally cushion the vertebrae dry out and lose height, reducing flexibility
-
Facet joints may rub together, leading to arthritis and stiffness
-
Bone spurs or collapsing discs can narrow the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) and compress nerves
-
Osteoporosis increases the risk of painful spinal compression fractures
These changes often explain why low back pain becomes more common and persistent with age.
-
How does Ashford Pain Solutions treat lower back pain?
At Ashford Pain Solutions, Dr. Ashford offers a wide range of non-surgical, interventional treatments to help patients with lumbar spine pain. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include:
-
Facet joint injections or medial branch blocks (MBBs) to relieve arthritis-related pain
-
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting relief after MBBs
-
Lumbar epidural steroid injections to decrease inflammation around irritated nerves
-
Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections to treat SI dysfunction
-
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis
-
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain not relieved by other treatments
-
Trigger point injections to release painful muscle knots
When appropriate, our team may also recommend physical therapy to improve core strength, flexibility, and posture.
-
.png)
