This study is presently closed. If interested in this condition, please contact us
to be placed on a list for future programs.

Low back pain is a very common problem that will affect 80% of people during their
lifetime. Many causes exist for this condition, and proper diagnosis is essential to
obtain a successful treatment. Most people who suffer from back pain have it from
muscular strain from lifting, poor posture, or falls. Pain in usually dull across the lumbar
region, and may extend down the leg if nerve structures are involved. The pain can sometimes
be very sharp or stabbing, and there may be tingling and numbness where the affected nerve
travels in the leg.

If nerve damage is present, the muscles controlled by the injured nerve may become weak. Spinal conditions such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, and disc degeneration or herniation can also cause low back pain. Nerve root impingement or damage can result from injury or disc. The sciatic nerve is the main nerve involved, it runs down the back of the leg before splitting into two branches that serve the shin and top of the foot, or the calf and bottom of the foot. A careful history and examination, sometimes assisted by MRI scans and electrophysiological testing known as electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCV) are used to determine the cause and extent of low back pain in a given individual. Nearby organs can also cause low back pain, such as ovarian disorders, endometriosis, kidney diseases, and intestinal disorders.

Most people, who have heard of various surgeries for low back pain, can be comforted to know that only a few people require one of these procedures. For most sufferers, pain medication (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents or narcotic medications) provide enough relief to allow functioning during recovery. Stretching and strengthening the supporting muscles of the back (core muscles) is usually very important. This can be accomplished with an exercise ball, Pilates, or exercises under the direction of physical therapy or chiropractic specialists. “Williams” exercises are often used and can be downloaded from any number of medical web sites. For those who have more serious forms of back pain, injections near the root region (epidural injections) or into the arthritic facet joints of the spine (facet injections) are often effective. Electrical stimulating units (TENS) and acupuncture are other options for pain relief. Surgery can be necessary in those remaining sufferers with refractory pain or with nerve damage from continued compression of the nerves by herniated discs.

Many types of surgical options are available from “minimally invasive” to reconstruction and fusion of the spine. NervePro personnel can help investigate the causes of your back pain, and develop a treatment plan customized for your specific problem. Back pain can be chronic and seem to have no end. The NervePro staff will help you to understand your condition, and provide treatment that offers the best hope for a good recovery.