For patients local to Los Angeles, expert care from a spine surgeon can provide tailored solutions.
Lower back pain is a common issue affecting many adults, but it doesn’t mean you have to endure chronic discomfort indefinitely. Understanding the underlying cause of your persistent back pain is the crucial first step toward finding the most effective treatment for your overall health and quality of life.
For patients local to Los Angeles, expert care from a spine surgeon can provide tailored solutions. This article reviews the primary causes of lower back pain and explores the surgical options available to relieve it.
Lower back pain can arise from various spinal problems, injuries, or degenerative conditions. While many cases improve with conservative treatments, some require surgical intervention to achieve lasting relief.
Before considering surgery, it is essential to diagnose the specific cause of your lower back pain. Common causes include:
A condition that may develop over time or be present from birth, causing the spinal discs to deteriorate and potentially herniate, leading to chronic pain.
Injury or trauma can cause a lumbar disc to shift out of place, protruding through the outer layer of the spine and pressing on nearby nerves, resulting in persistent pain.
Muscle strains or bone fractures in the back can exert pressure on the spine or surrounding nerves, causing discomfort and limited mobility.
Recent accidents or trauma may lead to ongoing back pain that does not resolve with rest or conservative care.
Accurate diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
These help identify the exact cause and severity of the problem, guiding the choice of treatment.
While many patients benefit from non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and medication, surgery may be necessary when these measures fail to relieve chronic pain or when structural problems threaten nerve function.
The National Institutes of Health recognizes several effective surgical options:
Laminectomy
This procedure involves removing a portion of the vertebral bone (lamina) that is compressing the spinal canal. By widening the canal, nerve pressure is relieved, often providing permanent pain relief.
Diskectomy
For patients with a herniated disc, diskectomy removes the protruding portion of the disc causing nerve irritation. In some cases, part of the vertebra may also be removed to facilitate access.
Disc Replacement
This surgery replaces a damaged disc with an artificial implant designed to restore normal movement and reduce pain. It is typically recommended for patients with chronic disc-related pain unresponsive to other treatments.
Spinal Fusion
Used primarily for fractures or severe instability, spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae together to prevent movement that causes pain and to promote healing.
Patients in Los Angeles seeking less invasive options may consult specialists offering minimally invasive spine surgery techniques, which can reduce recovery time and surgical risks.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure and individual patient factors. Physical therapy and gradual return to activity are often part of the postoperative plan to maximize outcomes.
To reduce the risk of lower back pain or its recurrence:
If you experience persistent lower back pain that limits your daily activities or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction, it is important to seek expert evaluation.
Patients in the Los Angeles area should consider consulting with the best spinal fusion surgeon in Los Angeles to explore all treatment options, including advanced surgical care tailored to their needs.
Surgery is typically considered for chronic pain caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, fractures, or degenerative disc disease when conservative treatments fail.
Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in spine care, positive patient outcomes, and expertise in both traditional and minimally invasive techniques. The best spinal surgeon in Los Angeles will offer personalized treatment plans and thorough consultations.
Yes, many Los Angeles–based spine surgeons specialize in minimally invasive procedures that reduce recovery time and surgical risks.
If you are struggling with chronic lower back pain, don’t wait to seek expert care. Contact Dr. Yashar at Yashar Neurosurgery to learn more about your lumbar fusion surgery Los Angeles options and other surgical treatments. Take the first step toward a pain-free life by scheduling a consultation with one of the best spinal fusion surgeons in Los Angeles today.
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