Treating Sharp Pain In Your Lower Back

Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi

Sharp Back Pain

Back pain comes in many different forms, but for some people, their pain manifests as a sharp discomfort in their lower spine. What could be causing this sharp pain, and what are some of the best ways to rid yourself of this pain? We take a closer look at some of the common causes of sharp pain in your lumbar spine, and we walk you through some treatment options in today’s blog.

Causes and Symptoms Of Sharp Lower Back Pain

A number of different muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues are housed in your lower back, so it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what might be going on based on the lone symptom of sharp discomfort in the area. That being said, some of the more common causes of sharp lower back pain include:

  • Muscle strains or tears
  • Sciatic nerve impingement or damage
  • Bulging or herniated discs
  • Spinal fractures
  • Spinal infection
  • Spinal tumor

Other symptoms that tend to occur with some of the above conditions in conjunction with sharp lower back pain include stiffness, muscle weakness, difficulty walking normally, difficulty going to the bathroom and an inhibited range of motion.

Diagnosing and Treating Sharp Lower Back Pain

Since a number of different conditions can lead to the onset of sharp lower back pain, it’s imperative that you seek out a spine specialist if you’re dealing with sharp pain, especially if you have some of the other symptoms listed above. Your doctor will begin with a physical assessment and a review of your medical history. From there, they’ll likely ask you to perform some simple movement exercises to see if symptoms alleviate or worsen. They may have a good idea of your diagnosis at this point, but they may decide to confirm their suspicions with an x-ray or similar imaging test. These tests can show you exactly what’s going on in your body so you know you’re treating the right condition.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will chart a course for treatment. We’re not going to be able to lay out an exact treatment plan below because treatment will vary based on your specific diagnosis, but for many people dealing with sharp pain caused by less serious conditions, non-operative treatments tend to work wonders. Treatments like over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, gentle stretching and exercise, physical therapy and hot/cold therapy helps to relieve sharp pain caused by muscle problems or disc issues. For more serious cases, antibiotics or a minimally invasive surgical operation can rid you of your pain. Your doctor will walk you through all your options before you leave your initial appointment.

So if you’re dealing with a sharp pain in your back or pain that intensifies during activity, treat the problem head on by visiting a doctor and getting an individualized treatment plan. For assistance with this process, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.

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