My Lower Back Pain Is Unbearable: Can You Help?

 If you’re dealing with relentless lower back pain, you’re probably tired of hearing that it’s just a part of getting older. While occasionally experiencing a minor stiffness is normal, chronic pain that makes simple tasks impossible isn’t. 

Chronic lower back pain can make sitting, standing, or sleeping challenging. Beyond the discomfort, it can take a toll on your mental well-being, leaving you frustrated and exhausted. Studies show that chronic pain can lead to higher stress levels and even shorten lifespans. 

Dr. Phillip Henkin, a seasoned neurosurgeon in Tampa, Florida, believes pain management should be personal. Instead of temporary fixes, he works with you to find long-term solutions that last. If your lower back pain feels unbearable, we’re here to help at NeuroSpine Center.

What’s causing your lower back pain?

Lower back pain doesn’t develop out of nowhere. Even if you don’t remember a specific injury, the pain likely has an underlying cause. Here are some of the most common reasons people develop chronic back pain:

Herniated or bulging discs

Your spine has soft discs between the vertebrae that cushion movement. If one of these discs shifts out of place, it can press on nearby nerves, causing severe pain that may radiate down your legs.

Degenerative disc disease

The discs in your spine naturally wear down over time. For some, this process is painless. But for others, it leads to chronic pain, stiffness, and inflammation, making even small movements difficult. 

Spinal stenosis

When the space inside the spine narrows, pressure on the spinal cord and nerves can result. This condition can lead to numbness, weakness, and severe lower back pain, especially when standing or walking for long periods.

Muscle strains and sprains

Picking up a heavy box or twisting the wrong way can strain your lower back muscles. While minor strains heal quickly, severe ones can lead to persistent pain and stiffness, making it difficult to move comfortably.

How NeuroSpine Center can help

At NeuroSpine Center, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. Your pain is personal, and your treatment should be, too. Dr.Henkin and our specialists will carefully assess your condition and recommend a treatment plan to help you find long-term relief.

Physical therapy

For many patients, physical therapy is one of the best ways to relieve lower back pain and prevent it from coming back. A strong, flexible core reduces strain on your lower back, easing pain and improving mobility.

Our physical therapists will guide you through targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your spine. We also focus on improving your posture and lifestyle habits to prevent future injuries. 

Epidural steroid injections

If inflammation is putting pressure on your nerves and causing severe pain, an epidural steroid injection may help. These injections administer anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, reducing swelling and easing pain at the source.

Unlike oral medications that affect the entire body, epidural injections provide fast, targeted relief. Many patients find that these injections improve mobility, making physical therapy more effective.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

For some, over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) can help control pain and inflammation. While they’re not a cure, they can reduce discomfort and make other treatments, like physical therapy, more effective.

Minimally invasive surgery

If conservative treatments aren’t providing relief, minimally invasive surgery may be an option. Unlike traditional spine surgery, these procedures require only small incisions, which means less pain, shorter recovery times, and lower risks of complications. Surgery is never our first recommendation, but we ensure it’s done with care when necessary.

If severe lower back pain interferes with your everyday routine, use our online scheduler to book a consultation with Dr. Henkin, or call NeuroSpine Center at 813-651-3300 today.