All about low back pain

What are the symptoms of 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.

Main causes of low back pain

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.

Types of low back pain

Lumbar facet syndrome

The facet joints are small joints located in the posterior part of the entire spine that play a fundamental role in the functions of stabilization and reinforcement of the spine. In addition to these functions, they facilitate and allow rotation and flexion-extension movements.

Over the years, overexertion, environmental or hereditary factors of each person cause the intervertebral disc that separates the vertebrae to wear so that the distance between the vertebrae decreases, this factor is very important because it directly affects the facet joints promoting wear so that they collide and become inflamed causing pain. If the alteration is not corrected, the joints will continue to wear out, producing what we know as facet syndrome in the lumbar area.

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Radicular pain or sciatica

Radicular pain, also commonly known as sciatica, is pain that appears as an electric shock, numbness, numbness or unpleasant tingling sensation that manifests itself in the legs.

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Lumbar myofascial syndrome

The myofascial syndrome of the lumbar region is a picture of muscle pain sustained over time caused by persistent contracture of a muscle or muscle group. This is, among all, the most frequent cause of pain in the dorsal region.

This contracture is characterized by presenting as a tense, palpable band in the muscle (the contracture), which presents increased consistency and which when pressed produces pain in the area of the contracture or in the path of the muscle.

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How to diagnose low back pain

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

 

How to treat low back pain

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.

 

Low back pain? At MIVI Salud we have the solution

At MIVI Salud we address low back pain in a comprehensive, effective and unhurried manner. Our team of specialists works with you to relieve pain, correct the cause and prevent future relapses. prevent future relapses.

Accurate diagnosis

Active treatment

Comprehensive support

Book your medical or physiotherapy appointment and start taking care of your back today.

Here begins your life without pain

Our customers say

Quiero compartir y agradecer a la Dtra.Natalia Neira su gran trabajo y ser una gran profesional,simpatía y amabilidad,en su gran trabajo día a día.Gracias Dtra.
Horacio Helmann
3 days ago
Las intervenciones que me ha realizado el Doctor han sido un exito y la atención del personal muy buena , recomendado !!!
Thess
4 days ago
I have experienced the utmost professional and reliable advice and help from this unit. Struggling with Meralgia Parastetica for over 2 years and intense discomfort and pain during the past 8 months I am now finally getting the help I needed. First with a nerve block, then an ablation on my trapped nerve. I truly recommend this pain unit, their staff and in my case Surgeon Dr Alejandro Miras Garcia.
Llevo años acudiendo a esta clínica tanto a clases de Pilates máquinas como, puntualmente, a tratamientos de abdomen con Indiba, y estoy encantada. Quiero destacar especialmente a mi profe de Pilates José, que además es fisioterapeuta. Está siempre pendiente de las lesiones y necesidades de cada persona y adapta los ejercicios de forma individualizada, haciendo que cada clase sea segura y efectiva. También se preocupa muchísimo por los horarios y porque podamos recuperar las clases cuando lo necesitamos. En alguna ocasión incluso me ha tratado de manera totalmente altruista alguna dolencia pasajera, un gesto que dice mucho de su calidad humana y de su vocación. Un gran profesional y una clínica totalmente recomendable por su trato cercano y su atención personalizada. 🤍
Sandra Asencio
5 days ago
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5 days ago
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5 days ago
Peter Eriksson
6 days ago
Very good! Always good service and very quick response from secretary Cristian. I can really recommend this 👍/Peter

Insurance companies

Ask your MIVI centre for information on the agreements with insurance companies.