Managing Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting millions of people at some point in their lives. When this pain persists for more than three months, it’s classified as chronic. Managing chronic lower back pain can be challenging, but understanding its causes and exploring available treatment options can help improve quality of life. In this blog article, we discuss what causes lower back pain and explore effective treatment strategies available at Calmare® Scrambler Therapy LA.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain can result from a variety of underlying issues, often involving complex interactions between bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and other structures. Some common causes include:

• Muscle or Ligament Strains - sudden movements, heavy lifting, or poor posture can strain the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine, leading to pain that may become chronic if not properly managed.

• Degenerative Disc Disease- as we age, the discs between our vertebrae can deteriorate or become less flexible, leading to pain, herniation, or nerve compression.

• Herniated or Bulging Discs - when a disc protrudes beyond its normal boundary, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that may persist.

• Spinal Stenosis - narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerve roots, resulting in pain, tingling, or weakness, often worsening with activity. Read more here.

• Arthritis - osteoarthritis can affect the facet joints in the spine, leading to inflammation and pain.

• Structural Issues - conditions like scoliosis (curved spine) can contribute to chronic back pain.

• Other Factors - obesity, sedentary lifestyle, psychological stress, and poor ergonomics can all influence the development and persistence of lower back pain.

Traditional Treatment Options

Treating chronic lower back pain typically involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s specific condition. Here are some of the most common treatment options available:

1. Chiropractic Care

A Chiropractor can design a personalized wellness program to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and promote better posture. Techniques like manual therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises are often effective.

2. Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat can relax tense muscles, while cold packs help reduce inflammation and numb the area.

3. Medications

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation and pain.

• Muscle relaxants: For muscle spasms.

• Topical analgesics: Creams or patches applied to the skin.

• Prescription medications: In some cases, stronger medications or nerve pain medications may be prescribed.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

• Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the lower back.

• Incorporating regular low-impact exercise (walking, swimming).

• Practicing good ergonomics at work and home.

• Avoiding prolonged sitting or heavy lifting without proper technique.

5. Interventional Procedures

• Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation around nerve roots or joints.

• Nerve blocks: To manage persistent nerve pain.

• Surgical options: In severe cases, procedures like discectomy, spinal fusion, or laminectomy might be considered.

6. Complementary and Alternative Therapies

• Acupuncture

• Massage therapy

• Red and infrared light therapy

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

An Innovative Treatment Option: Calmare® Scrambler Therapy

One of the most promising treatments for chronic lower back pain is Calmare® Scrambler Therapy, an FDA cleared treatment option that offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to pain relief. This therapy has been successfully used to treat a variety of chronic neuropathic pain conditions in the United States since 2009. And the success rates of Calmare® Scrambler Therapy are promising too. Various studies indicate that approximately 70-80% of patients report significant pain reduction after a series of treatments. According to a 2014 article in Pain Medicine, patients treated with Calmare® Scrambler Therapy reported not only a reduction in pain but also improved quality of life, with many experiencing enhanced mobility and daily function.

How Does It Work?

Calmare® Scrambler Therapy utilizes a technique known as "Scrambler" therapy, which employs electrocutaneous nerve stimulation. This method involves placing pads on the affected area to stimulate the nerves, effectively overriding the pain signals. By sending a "no pain" message to the brain, it changes the way the brain interprets pain, allowing the patient to experience significant relief.

Sessions typically last around 45 minutes, and many patients report immediate improvements in pain intensity and frequency after just one treatment. The relief can last for months and in some cases, even years. For those with ongoing issues, booster treatments can be administered to maintain pain control.

What Sets Calmare® Scrambler Therapy Apart

What sets Calmare® Scrambler Therapy apart is its biophysical approach—focusing on the body's natural mechanisms rather than relying on medications. This method significantly reduces the risks associated with opioids and their potential for addiction. By providing a technologically advanced, drug-free pain therapy, Calmare® Scrambler Therapy can dramatically enhance a patient's quality of life without the adverse side effects of medications.

Lower back pain can be debilitating, but innovative treatments like Calmare® Scrambler Therapy offer hope for those seeking relief without the use of narcotics or invasive procedures. If you or someone you know struggles with chronic lower back pain, exploring options like Calmare® Scrambler Therapy could be a game-changer. With a focus on restoring the body's natural pain signals, this treatment could help you reclaim your life and get back to doing the things you love.

Next Steps

Living with chronic lower back pain can be debilitating, but with proper understanding and management, many individuals find relief and regain their mobility. If you are experiencing persistent back pain, reach out to Dr. Orlando to develop a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Orlando is an esteemed chiropractor and pain management specialist with an impressive track record of over 26 years in the field, including more than 7 years focused on Calmare® Scrambler Therapy. He is one of only two certified Calmare® providers on the West Coast and has successfully helped hundreds of patients coping with chronic pain. His approach emphasizes skill and precision with drug-free treatment options to achieve the best possible outcomes. So what are you waiting for? Your pain free future awaits!