Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Millions of Americans have low back pain that affects their mobility and quality of life. At Pittsburgh Spine and Injury Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, experienced chiropractor and rehabilitation specialist Robert Moore, DC, CICE, offers effective hands on treatments to manage low back pain. Call Pittsburgh Spine and Injury Center to request a low back pain consultation today or book online.

What is low back pain?

Low back pain refers to discomfort, aching, or stiffness that affects your lumbar spine –– the five vertebrae and surrounding tissues directly above your pelvis. 

Dr. Moore has both traditional medical and chiropractic training. His knowledge of radiology interpretation and spinal biomechanics ensures accurate diagnoses of low back pain and lasting treatment outcomes.

What are the symptoms of low back pain?

Symptoms of lower back pain include:

• Sharp, burning, or stabbing sensations
• Dull aching or throbbing
• Stiffness
• Postural issues (like a bend in your neck)
• Muscle spasms

If you have sciatica, you might also experience numbness or tingling in your legs and feet. Sciatica occurs when your sciatic nerve gets compressed by a bone spur or a herniated disc.

What causes low back pain?

Low back pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Auto injuries
• Work injuries
• Sports injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Fractures
• Arthritis
• Narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis)

You might also experience low back pain because of general wear-and-tear. That’s especially true if you work a physically demanding job that requires regularly bending over or lifting heavy objects.

How is low back pain diagnosed?

To diagnose low back pain, Dr. Moore reviews your medical charts and asks about your symptoms. Then, he completes an exam. Dr. Moore looks for bruising, redness, or swelling and gently presses on your lower back to identify sensitive areas.

Next, he orders X-rays or an MRI. There’s a digital X-ray machine on-site, but if you need MRIs, Dr. Moore refers you to a nearby imaging facility. Diagnostic imaging allows Dr. Moore to see underlying issues, like broken bones, swollen muscles, or herniated discs.

How is low back pain treated?

Treatment of low back pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. At Pittsburgh Spine and Injury Center, Dr. Moore uses conservative and drug-free treatments, always adhering to the practice’s mission statement: “Pain relief without the opioids. The best of the best through clinical excellence.”

 He might recommend:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Shockwave therapy for immediate pain relief
• Physical therapy (stabilizing exercises to reduce pain and improve mobility)
• Therapeutic massage
• Activity modification
• Spinal decompression
• Rest and ice

Dr. Moore might also recommend healthy lifestyle changes. For example, maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your abdominal muscles can take pressure off of your vertebral discs.

Call Pittsburgh Spine and Injury Center to receive treatment for low back pain today, or click the online booking feature.