What is low back pain and sciatica?
"When I wake up in the morning, my back hurts," "I have a feeling of discomfort in my back from working sitting all day," "My back feels heavy for some reason." Back pain is a symptom that many people experience, and it is said that about 80% of Japanese people experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Lower back pain can be broadly divided into two types.
Lower back pain that can be identified as a cause (about 15%)These include herniated discs, spinal canal stenosis, compression fractures (especially in older people), spinal infections (including spinal arthritis), and tumors (including metastatic spinal tumors). Some of these require early diagnosis and treatment.
Lower back pain that cannot be identified as the cause (about 85%)Many cases involve muscle, tendon, joint, posture, stress, etc., and most of these symptoms improve naturally within 4 weeks of onset. This also includes many cases of sudden severe lower back pain (so-called whiplash). However, if the pain persists for more than 3 months, it is considered chronic lower back pain and requires specialized treatment.
In such cases, seek medical attention.
If the pain doesn't subside quickly or you're worried about whether it's okay to keep using it, please consult with us.
It is better to seek medical attention immediately for low back pain (numbness or lack of strength in the legs).
Symptoms such as the following are called "red flags" and may indicate a serious illness. Please consult us as soon as possible.
- There is numbness in the legs and a feeling of not being able to exert strength.
- There is strong pain even when it is not moving.
- Chest pain.
- There is fever (possibility of infection)
- The symptoms have worsened over time.
Tests performed at our clinic
Ultrasound (echography) and X-rays are used to check for abnormalities in bone structure and inflammation. When more detailed examinations using CT or MRI are necessary, we work with other medical institutions to conduct them.
medical treatment
For low back pain that can be identified as the cause, we provide treatment tailored to the specific disease, such as herniated disc, compression fracture, or infection. If necessary, we work with other medical institutions to determine whether precise examinations or surgery are required.
In the case of low back pain that cannot be identified as caused by a specific cause, it is important to avoid over-rest. Prolonged rest can actually slow down recovery, so it is recommended to move your body to the extent possible. At our clinic, we combine the following treatments according to your symptoms:
- Exercise therapy by physiotherapists and continuous instruction in exercise
- Advice on lifestyle factors such as posture, movement, and workplace desk environment
- Ointment and oral medications (painkillers, medications to relax muscles, etc.)
- Block injection (mainly spinal cord block)
- Trigger point injections (injections into the fascia and muscles)
Doctors who treat this disease
The surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon. Our hospital has a plastic surgery specialist from the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on staff.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Should I rest when I have a strained back?
A. If you rest too much, it may actually slow down the recovery process. It is recommended to move your body to the extent possible. Please discuss with your doctor how much movement is appropriate.
Q. I was told that there are no abnormalities on the X-ray, but the pain continues.
A. Approximately 85% of lower back pain is pain that cannot be clearly identified by imaging. There are treatments for lower back pain that cannot be identified as such, including exercise therapy and reviewing the living environment.
Q. Can an MRI be taken?
A. At our clinic, we use ultrasound and X-rays to confirm the diagnosis, and when CT or MRI is necessary, we work with other medical institutions to perform these tests.
Related explanatory articles
- What are the causes of lower back pain? Key points to avoid dismissing it as "just back pain"
- Back or hip pain, it may be a "compression fracture