Los Angeles Back Pain | Injury Treatment in Los Angeles
Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting thousands of people each year in the Los Angeles area. Often caused by sitting for extended periods, overexertion, or an unexpected injury, lower back pain can significantly disrupt your daily life. While it often corrects itself with self-care measures, persistent or severe pain requires a professional evaluation to prevent long-term complications. At Ladera Medical Clinic & Urgent Care, we provide comprehensive evaluations to guide you in the right direction to properly manage lower back pain effectively.
Is this Chronic Back Pain?
Lower back pain refers to discomfort in the lumbar region of the spine, the area between the ribcage and pelvis. This region supports much of your body’s weight, making it vulnerable to strain and injury. Lower back pain can manifest in several ways, including:
- A dull, aching pain that persists over time
- Sharp, stabbing pain that occurs suddenly
- Radiating pain that travels down one or both legs (sciatica)
- Stiffness or reduced mobility, especially after periods of rest
The pain can range from mild and manageable to severe and debilitating. For some, it may resolve within a few days, but others may experience chronic pain that lasts for weeks or longer.
Common Causes of Spine Pain
Understanding the cause of your lower back pain is essential for effective treatment and can help you avoid back surgery or advanced pain in your spinal cord. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains – Overstretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments in the lower back is a leading cause of pain. This can result from heavy lifting, sudden movements, or poor posture over time.
- Herniated or Bulging Discs – The discs in your spine act as cushions between vertebrae. When a disc becomes damaged, it may bulge or rupture, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or tingling that may extend into the legs.
- Degenerative Disc Disease – As we age, the discs in our spine naturally wear down. This can lead to reduced cushioning, inflammation, and chronic lower back pain.
- Arthritis – Osteoarthritis in the lower spine can cause inflammation and stiffness, often accompanied by pain. In some cases, arthritis can lead to spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves.
- Poor Posture and Sedentary Lifestyles – Sitting for extended periods, slouching, or improper lifting techniques can strain the lower back muscles and lead to pain.
- Injuries and Accidents – Falls, car accidents, and sports injuries can cause fractures, sprains, or other spinal injuries, resulting in sudden or prolonged pain.
- Underlying Medical Conditions – Conditions such as kidney infections, osteoporosis, or fibromyalgia can also cause back pain. Identifying these underlying causes is critical for effective treatment.
Diagnosing Lower Back Pain
We use a thorough diagnostic approach to determine the cause of your lower back pain. Our process includes (but is not limited to):
1. Medical History
We discuss your symptoms, including when the pain started, its severity, and any activities or injuries that may have triggered it. We then review your overall health and medical history to identify potential underlying conditions.
2. Physical Examination
A physical assessment helps us evaluate your range of motion, posture, and areas of tenderness. We may ask you to perform simple tests to check for nerve involvement, such as evaluating reflexes, strength, and sensation in your legs.
3. Imaging Tests
If necessary, we utilize imaging tools such as X-rays and MRI scans to get a detailed view of the spine, discs, and surrounding tissues. These tests help us identify structural issues like herniated discs, fractures, arthritis, or spinal stenosis. With this, we can accurately diagnose the source of your pain and recommend the most effective course of treatment or recommend you to a specialist.
Treatment Options for Back Pain Management
Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, and the appropriate treatment plan depends on the root cause and severity of your discomfort. We specialize in nonsurgical treatments to help you find relief, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life. Our clinic’s lead doctors may recommend trusted specialists who tailor a comprehensive care approach to meet each of their patient’s needs. The following outlines general treatment options for general informational purposes. While some may be recommended as a treatment option by the MD you see on your visit, only after you see a licensed healthcare professional can the best approach for your specific needs be found:
1. Medications
Medications play a key role in pain management techniques for back pain without surgery. Depending on the cause of your back pain, we may recommend:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxants to address acute muscle spasms
- Nerve pain medications, particularly if the pain is caused by nerve compression
Our goal will always be to help you achieve pain reduction while minimizing potential risks associated with prolonged medication use.
2. Lifestyle Modifications and Home Care
Incorporating small but impactful lifestyle changes can significantly reduce discomfort and promote long-term healing. Some key strategies include (but are not limited to):
- Rest and Activity Balance: Gentle movement prevents stiffness and maintains mobility. Prolonged rest can worsen symptoms.
- Posture Improvement: Supporting spinal alignment through ergonomic chairs or standing desks can ease the strain on the facet joints
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight helps lessen strain on the lumbar spine.
Adopting lifestyle changes can help better manage your pain throughout daily activities and reduce the need for invasive treatments.
3. Hot and Cold Therapy
Alternating hot and cold therapy provides relief for acute back pain and inflammation:
- Cold therapy reduces swelling and numbs sharp pain.
- Heat therapy relaxes tight muscles and improves blood flow for better outcomes.
This simple yet effective approach can serve as a foundation or supplement to your plan.
4. Targeted Injections
For severe or chronic back pain, steroid injections and other targeted approaches may offer relief:
- Corticosteroid Injections help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
- Nerve Block Injections target specific nerves that may be causing your back pain.
- Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive option that can provide longer-lasting pain reduction.
These advanced techniques are safe and effective for many patients experiencing persistent pain.
We are committed to delivering care that focuses on non-surgical and minimally invasive approaches to help you recover with less pain. We do not offer all of the options above but can guide or recommend you to specialists who offer more in-depth customized treatment options to improve mobility and reduce discomfort. In more severe cases surgery may be needed, and while we do not perform spine surgery or physical therapy in-house, we can help you understand the best course of action, including exercises and stretches you can do at home. If needed, we provide referrals to trusted specialists for procedures like disc replacement or lumbar fusion.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Lower Back Pain Relief
While minor back pain often resolves on its own, certain symptoms indicate a need for prompt medical evaluation. Seek immediate care or schedule a consultation if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs
- Pain that radiates down one or both legs (sciatica)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss accompanying back pain
- Back pain following an injury such as a fall or accident
These symptoms may signal more serious conditions, such as nerve compression, spinal infections, or other underlying medical issues. Early intervention is critical to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
Preventing Back Pain Treatment
While not all back pain can be avoided, adopting healthy habits can help minimize your risk of factors causing your back pain. Here are some practical tips for prevention:
- Practice Good Posture: Stand tall, sit with your back supported, and avoid slumping.
- Lift Properly: Use your legs instead of your back when lifting heavy objects.
- Stay Active: Engage in regular low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or stretching.
- Strengthen Core Muscles: Strong abdominal and back muscles provide support and stability for your spine.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can strain the lower back and contribute to pain.
- Take Breaks: If you sit for extended periods, stand up, stretch, and move every 30-60 minutes.
Don’t Wait, Act Today!
Lower back pain is a common but manageable condition. By understanding its causes, seeking timely medical care, and adopting healthy habits, you can reduce pain and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent or severe lower back pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation. Let us help you take the first step toward relief and recovery.
Contact Us Today
For expert diagnosis and further recommendations for the next steps in concussion treatment and concussion care, visit Ladera Urgent Care. Our team is here to help you begin the path to recovery, quickly and safely.
Ladera Urgent Care 5311 W Centinela Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90045 Phone: (310) 209-3993 Fax: (424) 217-4067 Email: Info@laderauc.com
Office Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Don’t wait to get the care you need. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey toward recovery.