All about low back pain

The low back pain o low back pain is a discomfort that appears in the lower back and may be mild, moderate or disabling. It is one of the main causes of sick leave and functional limitation in adults.

The most frequent symptoms include:

• Localized low back (lower spine) pain
• Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or prolonged postures
• Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs (sciatica)
• Prickling, burning or pressure sensation in the lower back area
• Muscle weakness, tingling or numbness if nerve involvement is present
• Difficulty bending over, sitting up or keeping back upright

When pain becomes chronic (more than 3 months) or limits daily life, a specialized assessment is essential.

Low back pain can have different origins, from muscular or postural causes to structural alterations. Among the most most common causes include:

Musculoskeletal causes

• Muscle overloads or contractures
• Poor posture or inadequate ergonomics
• Hyperlordosis or pelvic imbalances
• Weakness or stiffness in the lumbar or abdominal muscles

Structural causes

• Lumbar disc herniation
• Disc protrusions
• Lumbar canal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Lumbar or facet arthrosis
• Scoliosis or hyperlordosis

Other causes

• Myofascial syndrome with muscle trigger points
• Referred pain from internal organs (kidneys, uterus, intestines)
• Vertebral fractures (due to osteoporosis or trauma)
• Emotional factors or chronic stress that strain the lumbar musculature

At MIVI Salud we evaluate all these aspects to find the real origin of the pain. real origin of the painnot only relieve the symptom.

At MIVI Salud we perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient to accurately diagnose the type and cause of low back pain:

Detailed medical history

• How long has it hurt? What makes it worse or relieves it?
• Is there irradiation to the legs, after exertion or without clear cause?
• Is there any medical history, previous injuries or surgeries?

2. Complete physical examination

• We evaluate the mobility of the spinemuscle strength, reflexes and sensitivity.
• We identify pain points, irradiation patterns and signs of nerve involvement.
• We analyze biomechanics, posture and motor control

3. Complementary tests (when required)

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging to study discs, nerves and deep structures
• X-rays to assess alignment, osteoarthritis or fractures
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Electromyography (EMG) if there is suspicion of neurological involvement
• Laboratory or specific tests if inflammatory or visceral causes are suspected

At MIVI Salud we design a personalized treatment plan for each patient, with an evidence-based approach and oriented to functional recovery:

Specialized physiotherapy

• Manual therapy and spinal mobilization
• Dry needling and myofascial release
• Guided therapeutic exercise to stabilize and strengthen the lower back
• Postural education and movement retraining
• Electrotherapy, tecartherapy or EPI depending on the case
• Home exercise program and personalized follow-up

Medical and interventional treatment

• Anti-inflammatory or neuromodulatory medication (when necessary)
• Ultrasound-guided infiltrations on facet joints, sacroiliac joints or painful points
• Nerve blocks or root blocks in case of sciatica or radiated pain
• Radiofrequency for the treatment of chronic low back pain
• Coordination with neurosurgery or traumatology if surgical intervention is required.