Common causes
Muscular strain, disc degeneration or herniation, facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and spinal stenosis can all present as low back pain, often in combination.
Diagnosis
A focused exam, review of X-ray or MRI findings and, when needed, a diagnostic block pinpoint the pain generator rather than relying on imaging alone.
Treatment
Most patients improve with a combination of therapy, targeted injections and medication adjustment. Radiofrequency ablation is an option when facet joints are the confirmed source.
What this may include
- Physical therapy and stabilization
- Epidural and facet injections
- Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation
- Medication optimization