Low Back Pain
Lower back pain can have many different causes, one of them being lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica). Sciatica is caused by a nerve root being compressed or “pinched”, and can cause pain to shoot down into the lower extremities in the distribution of the nerve.
This pain is often worsened by excess movement, standing up straight, or sitting down for extended periods of time. Rest and typically leaning over slightly can make the lower back pain feel better temporarily, as this takes pressure off the nerve roots in your spine. The causes of compression can range from a herniated disc in the spine to a tight muscle around the nerve, or from the spinal canal tightening over years of arthritis.
Other potential causes of lower back pain include:
- Over-use – muscular strain is one of the most common causes
- Chronic partial rotator cuff tears
- Spondylosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated disc
- Pinched nerve
- Injuries and falls – car accidents, sporting events, etc.
- Chronic Stress – physical and emotional
- Referred pain from other parts of the body
How Can It Be Treated?
Treatment starts with identifying where the nerve is being compressed. Conservative measures such as heat/ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications are generally first-line therapy. If these conservative measures do not relieve the pain, epidural steroid injections into the involved muscle are the next step. If these treatments do not relieve the pain, a patient may be a candidate for peripheral nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, or other minimally invasive procedures.
Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management
Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.
Patient Testimonials for Back Pain
Location We Serve
Kansas Pain Management is a leading interventional pain management services provider in various locations across Kansas, including Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Kansas City, Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton and surrounding areas. So, if you are looking for a reliable pain management service provider in any of these locations, Contact us Today!
FAQs
Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly known as sciatica, occurs when a nerve root in the lower spine becomes compressed or irritated. The sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the body—travels from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. When pressure is placed on this nerve or its roots, pain can radiate along its path, often affecting only one side of the body. Sciatica is frequently caused by herniated discs, arthritis, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. Many people describe the pain as sharp, shooting, or electric, and symptoms often extend far beyond the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot.
Low back pain often becomes more noticeable during activities that place stress on the spine. Standing or walking for long periods may cause the back muscles to fatigue, while sitting too long—especially in an unsupported or slouched posture—places pressure on the discs and joints. Lifting heavy objects or bending incorrectly can strain the tissues and aggravate existing injuries. Repetitive twisting motions, sudden awkward movements, and poor ergonomics at work or home may also contribute to worsening symptoms. Factors such as stress, lack of sleep, weak core muscles, and cold weather can heighten discomfort. For many individuals, the combination of poor posture and inactivity plays a significant role in persistent low back pain.
If the pain continues after several weeks of conservative care, more specialized treatments may be required. Doctors may recommend image-guided epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves, or facet joint injections to target painful spinal joints. Nerve blocks can temporarily interrupt pain signals and help determine which structures are contributing to discomfort. These treatments can provide both diagnostic information and meaningful relief, especially for individuals with persistent nerve-related pain. If symptoms still do not improve, imaging such as MRI may be used to better understand the underlying cause and guide further treatment options.
Leaning forward can help relieve certain types of back and leg pain because it opens up the spaces in the spine where nerves travel. When the spinal canal or nerve openings are narrowed, bending forward increases the available room and decreases pressure on irritated nerves. This posture is particularly helpful for people with spinal stenosis, who often notice that their pain improves when leaning on a shopping cart or bending slightly at the waist. This forward-flexed position also reduces tension on the muscles surrounding the spine. However, individuals with disc herniations may feel worse when bending forward and better when arching slightly backward, which is why observing these responses can help doctors identify the underlying cause of the pain.