The residents of Glendale, California are served by the Dr. David Rogers and the Rogers Spine Surgery Institute. Dr. Rogers is an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon who specializes in the treatment of lower back pain and the chronic conditions associated with it.
Lower back pain can be either acute or chronic depending on the injury or illness that is causing the pain. It is important to treat the cause of lower back pain immediately to so the healing process can get underway. There are many different treatment methods doctors use to help manage different types of pain.
What are Common Causes of Lower Back Pain?
Car accidents and improper lifting techniques are common injuries that are associated with acute lower back pain. Conditions like a degenerative bone disease, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and sciatica are most often associated with chronic back pain. Because the lower back supports all of the upper body, it may never get a chance to heal completely. People who experience a back injury or an illness that affects their spine, need to rest their back to give it time to heal. Combining rest with different treatment methods is just one effective way of managing back pain.
Is Surgery Effective When Treating Lower Back Pain?
There are certain instances where the condition causing the back pain has progressed to the point that surgery is the only real option to reduce the pain and discomfort experienced. A herniated or bulging disc, spinal stenosis and other bone abnormalities may need to be surgically repaired to eliminate the cause of the pain. Surgery is often combined with physical therapy to help the patient recover from the procedure and rebuilt strength, restore range of motion, and improve flexibility to prevent further injury from occurring.
How Long Does a Back Injury Take to Heal?
Muscle injuries normally take two to three weeks to heal fully. Bone injuries, including lower back injuries, can take six to eight weeks to heal. Because the back is constantly flexing and moving, even minor injuries may take longer than normal to heal. Many treatment methods can help improve mobility as well as strengthen the muscles and speed up the healing process.