Chronic Low Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

Understanding Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common medical conditions affecting adults today, and one of the leading causes of missed work and reduced quality of life. While occasional back pain is normal, pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks is considered chronic and often requires a more advanced, targeted treatment approach.

For many patients, chronic low back pain can interfere with everyday activities like sitting, standing, walking, or even sleeping. The good news is that with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most patients can find meaningful relief without surgery.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we specialize in identifying the root cause of back pain and providing personalized, minimally invasive treatment options to help patients regain function and improve their quality of life.

Common Causes of Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain can stem from a variety of underlying conditions. Understanding the cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

1. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

As we age, the discs between our vertebrae naturally begin to wear down. This can lead to loss of hydration, disc thinning, and small tears, all of which contribute to pain and stiffness.

2. Herniated or Bulging Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of the disc pushes outward, irritating nearby nerves. This can cause localized back pain or radiating pain into the legs (commonly known as sciatica).

3. Spinal Stenosis

This condition involves a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It often causes pain, numbness, or weakness—especially when standing or walking.

4. Facet Joint Arthritis

The small joints in the spine (facet joints) can become inflamed due to arthritis, leading to localized back pain and reduced mobility.

5. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

The SI joints connect the spine to the pelvis. Dysfunction or inflammation in these joints can cause pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks.

6. Muscle Strain and Soft Tissue Injuries

Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements can lead to muscle strain or ligament injuries, which may become chronic if not properly treated.

7. Nerve-Related Pain (Radiculopathy)

When spinal nerves are compressed or irritated, it can cause sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that travels into the legs.

Symptoms of Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain can present in different ways depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent aching or stiffness in the lower back
• Sharp or shooting pain with movement
• Pain that radiates into the hips, buttocks, or legs
• Increased pain with sitting, bending, or lifting
• Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods
• Reduced flexibility and range of motion

If your pain is ongoing, worsening, or limiting your daily activities, it’s important to seek evaluation from a specialist.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Low Back Pain

One of the biggest misconceptions about chronic back pain is that surgery is the only solution. In reality, most patients improve with non-surgical, minimally invasive treatments.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we focus on a multidisciplinary approach to care.

1. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Targeted exercises help strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improve posture, and reduce strain on affected areas.

2. Medication Management

Non-opioid medications, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants can help manage symptoms while addressing inflammation.

3. Epidural Steroid Injections

These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to irritated spinal nerves, providing relief from conditions like herniated discs and sciatica.

4. Facet Joint Injections and Medial Branch Blocks

These procedures help diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints.

5. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA uses heat to disrupt pain signals from specific nerves, offering long-lasting relief for patients with chronic facet joint pain.

6. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

For patients with SI joint dysfunction, these injections reduce inflammation and improve mobility.

7. Regenerative Treatments (PRP Therapy)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses the body’s own healing factors to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation naturally.

8. Advanced Procedures (e.g., BVN Ablation, ViaDisc)

Innovative treatments target the source of pain at a structural level, helping patients avoid more invasive surgical procedures.

When Should You See a Pain Specialist?

Many patients wait too long before seeking specialized care, often trying to “push through” the pain. However, early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

You should consider seeing a pain management specialist if:

• Your pain lasts longer than 12 weeks
• Conservative treatments are no longer effective
• Pain is interfering with work, sleep, or daily activities
• You experience radiating pain, numbness, or weakness
• You want to avoid surgery or long-term medication use
  

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we use advanced diagnostics, including imaging and targeted injections, to pinpoint the exact source of your pain and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Chronic pain doesn’t just affect your back, it impacts your overall health, mobility, and quality of life. Without proper treatment, it can lead to:

• Reduced physical activity
• Muscle weakness and deconditioning
• Increased stress and fatigue
• Greater risk of long-term disability

By addressing the problem early, patients can:

• Prevent worsening degeneration
• Maintain mobility and independence
• Avoid more invasive procedures
• Return to normal activities faster

What to Expect at Greater Austin Pain Center

When you visit Greater Austin Pain Center, your care starts with a comprehensive evaluation. Our team takes the time to understand your symptoms, review your imaging, and identify the underlying cause of your pain.

From there, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include a combination of therapies to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our goal is simple:

• Reduce pain
• Restore function
• Improve your quality of life

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

You don’t have to live with chronic low back pain. With today’s advanced treatment options, relief is more accessible than ever, without the need for surgery. If you’re struggling with ongoing back pain, the specialists at Greater Austin Pain Center are here to help.

Preventing chronic low back pain starts with early, comprehensive pain management care. Schedule your consultation today at one of our convenient locations in Austin, Kyle, San Marcos, or Dripping Springs. Together, we can find safer, more effective solutions for lasting pain relief.