Expert in Tampa, FL
What Is Low Back Pain?
Low back pain refers to pain or discomfort in the lumbar spine, the area between the bottom of your rib cage and your hips. The pain may remain localized or travel into the buttocks, hips, or legs if nearby nerves become irritated.
Low back pain can range from a dull ache to severe, sharp pain that interferes with walking, sleeping, working, or exercising.
Common Causes of Low Back Pain
Many different structures in the lower back can cause pain, including the joints, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
Common causes include:
- Lumbar disc herniation or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint arthritis
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Muscle strain or ligament injury
- Compression fractures
- Arthritis
- Pain following back surgery (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)
A thorough evaluation helps determine which structure is responsible for your symptoms.
Symptoms of Low Back Pain
- Aching or stiffness in the lower back
- Sharp pain with bending or twisting
- Pain when standing or walking for long periods
- Difficulty getting out of bed
- Muscle spasms
- Pain radiating into the buttocks or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in one or both legs
How We Diagnose Low Back Pain
At Tampa Pain MD, diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination.
Depending on your symptoms, your evaluation may include:
- Review of previous MRI, CT, or X-ray imaging
- Neurological examination
- Ultrasound-guided or X-ray guided diagnostic nerve blocks
- Diagnostic injections to identify the painful joint or nerve
- Review of previous treatments and surgeries
Our goal is to identify the exact source of your pain rather than simply treating the symptoms.
Treatments We Offer
Treatment recommendations are individualized based on your diagnosis and may include:
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a pain specialist for low back pain?
If your pain has lasted longer than several weeks, continues to return, limits your daily activities, or has not improved with medications or physical therapy, a pain specialist can help determine the underlying cause and discuss treatment options.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients do not require surgery. Many causes of low back pain respond well to minimally invasive interventional pain procedures combined with rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.
Do you prescribe opioids?
Our practice emphasizes evidence-based, opioid-free pain management whenever possible. We focus on treating the underlying cause of pain using advanced interventional techniques.
Do I need an MRI before my appointment?
Not necessarily. If you already have MRI or X-ray images, please bring them with you. If additional imaging is needed, it can be ordered after your evaluation.
Why Choose Tampa Pain MD?
- Double Board-Certified Pain Physician
- Mayo Clinic Fellowship-Trained Anesthesiologist
- Ultrasound-guided procedures
- Evidence-based, opioid-free treatment philosophy
- Personalized treatment plans
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
- Comprehensive evaluation to identify the true pain generator
Our goal is not simply to mask pain—it is to identify its source and provide lasting relief whenever possible.
Schedule Your Consultation
If low back pain is preventing you from enjoying daily activities, our team can help identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life.
Contact Tampa Pain MD today to schedule your consultation.
