Low Back Pain

What is low back pain?

Low back pain refers to discomfort between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the legs, and it can be acute (lasting a few days to weeks) or chronic (persisting for more than 12 weeks).

Pain may stay in the lower back or radiate into the hips, buttocks, or legs, sometimes causing numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Common causes of low back pain

• Muscle strain or ligament sprain from overuse or improper lifting
• Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nerves
• Degenerative disc disease as we age
• Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal
• Spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips over another
• Poor posture, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle
• Trauma or injury, such as from a fall or car accident

When to see a doctor

It’s time to consult a specialist if your low back pain:

• Persists beyond a few weeks
• Gets worse instead of better
• Radiates down one or both legs
• Comes with numbness, weakness, or bowel/bladder changes
• Interferes with walking, standing, or daily activities

How Iowa Ortho can help

Our spine team provides comprehensive care with services that may include:

• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans)
• Physical therapy and customized home exercises
• Injection therapy for inflammation and nerve pain
• Minimally invasive spine procedures
• Surgical options like discectomy or laminectomy, if needed

Our spine team partners closely with Iowa Ortho’s physical therapists to strengthen core muscles and improve posture.

Find relief and get moving again

At Iowa Ortho, we specialize in getting to the root of back pain, and we take a personalized, step-by-step approach to helping patients return to a full, active life.