Low Back Pain

What Is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting millions of people every year. The lower back is responsible for supporting much of the body's weight while allowing us to bend, lift, twist, walk, and perform everyday activities.

Because it experiences constant stress, the lower back is particularly susceptible to injury, inflammation, and age-related changes.

Low back pain can develop suddenly after lifting something heavy or following an accident, or it may gradually worsen over time due to repetitive strain, poor posture, arthritis, or degenerative conditions. Pain can range from a mild ache to severe discomfort that limits movement and interferes with work, exercise, sleep, and daily life.

Since low back pain can have many different underlying causes, identifying the source of the pain is essential for developing the most effective treatment plan. Dr. Charles Boley performs a thorough evaluation to determine the contributing factors and recommend the most appropriate conservative treatment options.

Common Symptoms

Patients with low back pain often experience:

 Dull, aching pain in the lower back.

 Sharp or stabbing pain with certain movements.

 Muscle tightness or spasms.

 Stiffness after sitting or resting.

 Pain when bending, lifting, or twisting.

 Difficulty standing or walking for long periods.

 Pain that improves or worsens with activity.

 Pain that may radiate into the hips or buttocks.

If low back pain is accompanied by symptoms traveling into the leg, it may be related to sciatica or nerve irritation, which requires further evaluation.

What Causes Low Back Pain?

Low back pain can result from a variety of conditions, including:

 Muscle strains or ligament sprains.

 Herniated or bulging discs.

 Degenerative disc disease.

 Arthritis of the spine.

 Facet joint dysfunction.

 Poor posture.

 Repetitive lifting or bending.

 Sports injuries.

 Muscle weakness or core instability.

 Age-related wear and tear.

 Previous injuries.

Many patients have more than one contributing factor, making a personalized treatment plan essential.

How StemWave Therapy May Help

StemWave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic wave technology to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms, StemWave may help improve circulation, encourage tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain associated with certain musculoskeletal conditions.

For patients experiencing low back pain, StemWave may be incorporated into a personalized treatment plan alongside chiropractic care, spinal decompression, rehabilitation exercises, laser therapy, and other conservative treatments when appropriate. The goal is to improve function, reduce discomfort, and help patients return to their normal daily activities.

Because low back pain can originate from many different structures, including muscles, joints, discs, ligaments, or surrounding soft tissues, Dr. Charles Boley performs a comprehensive evaluation and reviews any available imaging to determine whether StemWave Therapy is an appropriate treatment option for your specific condition.