Lower Back Pain: What Could It Be?

Lower back pain is a common complaint. However, some certain signs and symptoms raise concern and prompt a doctor’s visit. While some cases of lower back pain resolve on their own with time and self-care, it’s important to be aware of red flags that could indicate a more serious underlying condition. You should seek a medical evaluation if you experience any of the following:
 
• Pain that does not improve or worsens over time
• Recent injury to your back
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Pain that radiates down your leg or causes numbness or weakness in your leg(s)
• Difficulty with bladder or bowel control
• Unexplained weight loss along with back pain
• Fever, chills, or other signs of infection.
 
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms along with lower back pain, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. The team at Modern Pain Management can evaluate your condition, perform diagnostic tests, and provide comprehensive treatment to address the underlying cause of your discomfort.

 
Lower back pain can sometimes be tricky to diagnose as it can be mistaken for other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Some conditions that are often mistaken for lower back pain include:
 
• Herniated disc – A herniated disc in the spine causes pain that radiates down the leg, resembling lower back pain.
• Muscle strain – Strained muscles in the back can cause localized discomfort.
• Kidney stones – The pain from kidney stones is felt in the lower back and is often accompanied by urinary symptoms.
• Sciatica – Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve leads to pain in the lower back.
• Spinal stenosis – This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in back pain that worsens with activity.

Lower back pain in women can be caused by various factors and underlying conditions. The most common causes of lower back pain in women include:

• Menstrual cramps – Severe menstrual cramps, known as dysmenorrhea, cause lower back pain.
• Endometriosis – This condition occurs when the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it, leading to severe pelvic discomfort.
• Pregnancy – The additional weight and changes in posture during pregnancy can strain the lower back muscles and ligaments.
• Ovarian cysts – Large or ruptured ovarian cysts can cause lower back and pelvic pain.
• Fibroids – Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that often result in lower back pain.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that is characterized by lower abdominal and back pain.
• Musculoskeletal issues – Strained muscles, herniated discs, or spinal conditions like osteoarthritis can all contribute to lower back pain.

 
Some indications that your back pain is serious and requires medical attention include:
 
• Intense and persistent pain – If your back pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest or self-care measures, it’s recommended to seek medical attention.
• History of trauma or injury – After trauma, such as a fall or car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical assistance to eliminate the possibility of fractures or additional injuries.
• Pain radiating down the legs – Back pain accompanied by radiating pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the legs can indicate a nerve compression or herniated disc.
• Weakness or loss of sensation – If you experience weakness or loss of sensation in your legs or other parts of your body along with back pain, it’s important to receive a medical evaluation.
• Fever or unexplained weight loss – Back pain accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss often indicates an infection or other underlying health condition.
 
If you notice these signs, schedule a visit at Modern Pain Management for a thorough evaluation. Our experienced team will assess your condition and provide effective treatment solutions to alleviate your discomfort. Don’t let back pain hold you back—take the first step toward relief and book your appointment today.
 
Effective treatments for lower back pain are available at Modern Pain Management. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Houston TX and Sugar Land TX. We serve patients from Houston TX, Sugar Land TX, Pearland TX, Jersey Village TX, Missouri City TX, Stafford TX, and Richmond TX.