Spine Lumbar

The lumbar spine, or lower back, plays a crucial role in the human body by supporting the upper body while allowing for movement and flexibility. It consists of five vertebrae, along with ligaments, muscles, intervertebral discs, and nerves. Because of its complex and delicate structure, the lumbar spine is prone to a variety of painful conditions, including injuries, degenerative diseases, and muscle strains.

While lower back pain is common, you don’t have to live with it forever. Our highly trained team at Summit Orthopaedics specializes in treating a wide range of spinal conditions. Year after year, we help patients reclaim mobility and rediscover the joy they thought was lost.

Common Lumbar Spine Conditions We Treat

• Degenerative disc disease — Occurs when spinal discs break down over time, often due to aging or injury. Symptoms include stiffness, limited mobility, and lower back pain.
• Facet joint arthritis — Inflammation of the facet joints from aging or overuse can cause sharp or aching lower back pain, especially with bending or twisting.
• Herniated discs — The inner tissue of a disc pushes through its outer layer, placing pressure on nearby nerves. This may cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
• Piriformis syndrome — The piriformis muscle can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing tingling, numbness, and pain radiating down the leg.
• Sacral insufficiency fractures — A weakened sacrum can fracture, causing severe lower back pain that may extend to the pelvis.
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction — Inflammation or misalignment of the sacroiliac joint can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and thighs.
• Sciatica — Irritation of the sciatic nerve, often from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, causes radiating leg pain.
• Spinal stenosis — Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the spinal cord and nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or pain while standing or walking.
• Spondylolisthesis — When a vertebra slips out of place, it can cause lower back pain, stiffness, and nerve compression.

Pinpointing the Cause of Your Back Pain‍

Our team uses advanced diagnostic techniques to find the root cause of lumbar spine pain, including:

• MRI and X-rays
• Electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function
• In-depth evaluations based on your symptoms

Personalized Treatment Options‍

Depending on your condition, we may recommend one or more of the following:

Nonsurgical treatments

• Physical therapy
• Spinal injections
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Medications

Minimally invasive procedures

• Epidural steroid injections
• Nerve blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation

Surgical treatments

• Disc replacement
• Spinal fusion
• Spinal decompression

We typically begin with conservative treatments to relieve pain and improve function, reserving surgery for cases where other methods prove ineffective.

FAQs About Lumbar Spine Pain

How can I prevent lower back pain?
Regular exercise, proper posture, safe lifting techniques, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent pain. Our team can also offer personalized guidance to protect your spine.

When should I seek medical attention for lower back pain?
If pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, or comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, you should seek medical attention. Even if the cause is minor, you’ll leave with clarity and peace of mind.

How long does it take to recover from lumbar spine surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure, but many patients return to light activity within eight weeks when they stay committed to their recovery plan.

Can lifestyle changes help with lumbar spine pain?
Yes. Weight management, stress reduction, and ergonomic adjustments can significantly improve spinal health and reduce pain.