Pittsburgh’s Most Trusted Orthopedic Sports Doctors
Lower Back Pain
Your lower back, or the "lumbar" region, is essential in supporting the base of your spine. For athletes, lower back pain is a common injury that can sideline you from your sport. Lower back pain can vary in intensity and type, from a dull ache to a sharp pain, but any type of back pain can severely decrease your overall quality of life.
At Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, our team of sports-minded orthopedic doctors in Pittsburgh, PA have provided patients with the best treatment for osteoporosis of the spine and other underlying causes of lower back pain for a combined 40 years. We’re committed to offering patients the least invasive, most conservative treatments available, ensuring that your recovery is as quick, effective, and affordable as possible. When you receive care from Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, you’re not just another patient – you’re a member of our family.
Whether you need injections for osteoporosis or a more advanced form of non-surgical spine treatment, we’re here to help. If you’re ready to receive care from the best orthopedic doctor Pittsburgh has to offer, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists today.
Osteoporosis Treatment, Spine Evaluations & More
Diagnosing Common Causes and Types of Lower Back Pain
Your lower back, or lumbar region, is composed of five bones that are connected by ligaments, muscles, and tendons. These bones work together to provide support for your spine and allow you to move your upper body. However, this complex system of bones, muscles, and ligaments can be easily injured, resulting in lower back pain.
There are several common causes of lower back pain, each with its own unique symptoms. Some of the most common lower back conditions we treat at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists include:
- Disc Herniation: A disc herniation occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc bulges out and puts pressure on the surrounding nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs when the discs in your spine begin to deteriorate. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
- Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
- Facet Joint Dysfunction: Facet joint dysfunction occurs when the facet joints in your spine become irritated or inflamed. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
If you're living with chronic lower back pain, our team of sports medicine specialists can help you find relief. We offer a variety of treatment options, from physical therapy to regenerative medicine, that are designed to help you get back to the activities you love. To learn more about our lower back pain treatments, contact Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists and schedule your first consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are athletes at risk for lower back pain?
Athletes are at a higher risk for developing lower back pain due to the physical demands of their sport. Overuse and repetitive motions can lead to strain on the muscles and ligaments in the back, which can cause pain. In addition, contact sports such as football or hockey can result in traumatic injuries to the lower back. If you play a sport that puts strain on your back, it's important to warm up properly and stretch before playing. Wearing the proper protective gear can also help reduce your risk of injury.
What are some of the most common osteoporosis symptoms in athletes?
The most common symptom of osteoporosis is pain in the lower back or hips. This pain is caused by the deterioration of the bones in the spine and hip, which can lead to fractures. In addition, athletes with osteoporosis may notice a decrease in height, as the bones in the spine begin to collapse. If you think you may have osteoporosis, it's important to see a doctor so you can begin treatment.
Do you accept insurance for lower back pain treatment?
Yes! Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists is proud to accept a wide variety of insurances across Western PA, Ohio, and West Virginia for treating causes of osteoporosis and other sources of lower back pain. For patients in the Pittsburgh area, we accept both Highmark and UPMC. View our Insurance page to see our list of providers, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable and friendly staff.
How can I get started with the top bone specialist near me?
The team at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists is passionate about making our care as easy to access as possible for all of our future patients. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, just use our Online Tool to select a time that works best for you.