Pain in the lower back (lumbar pain)

Pain in the lower back, commonly known as lumbar pain, can be treated at Casa di Salute Santa Lucia of the Nefrocenter group with innovative pain therapy treatments.

Lumbar pain, known to everyone as pain in the lower back, is one of the most common problems among adults and is one of the main causes of absenteeism from work and of a reduced quality of life. Anyone who has ever had pain in the lower back knows how debilitating it can be, even for the simplest daily activities, such as bending over to tie your shoes or lifting a weight, up to having to stay seated or standing for long periods.

Our pain therapy specialists work every day with patients who suffer from low back pain, both acute and chronic. The goal is to restore well-being and independence to those who are afflicted, treating back pain not just as a symptom to be eliminated, but as an important signal to be understood, carefully diagnosed and treated in a targeted way.

PAIN IN THE LOWER BACK: HOW IT SHOWS UP

Pain in the lumbar area can show up in various ways: it can appear suddenly after exertion, or develop gradually, perhaps after weeks of poor posture or inactivity. It can be a dull, constant pain or a sharp, stabbing one, sometimes accompanied by stiffness, tingling or weakness in the legs. In some cases, the pain radiates down the leg, taking the form of sciatica. In more serious cases, it can also compromise mobility or disturb sleep. For this reason, it is essential not to underestimate lumbar pain, especially if it lasts more than a few days or occurs together with other symptoms.

UNDERSTANDING THE PAIN

Our clinical approach always begins with a careful evaluation of the patient. During the first visit, we take a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination, in order to identify the exact cause of the back pain. Low back pain can in fact come from different origins: mechanical, inflammatory, neurological or, in some cases, visceral. Musculoskeletal problems are the most common cause: think of strains, muscle contractures, herniated discs, spinal osteoarthritis and postural dysfunctions. However, there are also cases linked to joint inflammation of a rheumatic type or to nerve compression, which can cause neuropathic pain. In a smaller percentage of cases, the pain may be caused by kidney, gynecological or intestinal conditions, which are felt in the lumbar area.

THE TREATMENTS

After making the diagnosis, we create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Our center for the treatment of lumbar pain takes a multidisciplinary approach: doctors, physical therapists, psychologists and nurses work together to address the pain in all its facets. The therapies include both targeted drug treatments and non-drug techniques. In the early stages, we use painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to control the symptom, but our goal is not only to “mask” the pain, but to eliminate its causes. For neuropathic pain, we use specific drugs that act on the nerve mechanisms, while muscle relaxants can be useful in the case of muscle contractures. In more serious situations, we carefully select the use of opioids, always under strict medical supervision.

INJECTIONS AGAINST PAIN

One of the most effective tools for dealing with lumbar pain is injections: these are targeted injections of anesthetics and corticosteroids that act directly on the painful spot, offering quick and precise relief. At Casa di Salute Santa Lucia we offer different types of injections, from spinal facet joint injections to epidural injections, up to selective spinal nerve blocks.

REHABILITATION

Rehabilitation is essential. Our physical therapy programs are designed to restore flexibility, strength and function to the spine. Through mobilization exercises, stretching, muscle strengthening and physical therapies such as TENS, ultrasound or laser therapy, we help patients reduce pain and improve their posture. Postural re-education is particularly important for people with sedentary jobs or who perform repetitive movements that can overload the back.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF PAIN IN THE LOWER BACK

At Casa di Salute Santa Lucia we do not overlook the psychological aspect of pain in the lower back. It has been shown that stress, anxiety and depression can intensify the perception of chronic pain. For this reason, when necessary, we include relaxation techniques, mindfulness and psychological support in the treatment plan, helping patients manage the emotions linked to their painful condition.

Another pillar of our work is prevention. Once the acute phase is over, we stay by the patient’s side to help them maintain the results achieved. We teach correct postures, suggest exercises to do at home and recommend lifestyle changes to prevent recurrences. Regular physical activity, weight control and good ergonomics in the workplace are essential for keeping a healthy back.