Lower Back Pain: What Could It Be?

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we understand that lower back pain is very common, affecting most people at some point in their lives. Usually, minor back discomfort resolves on its own within days to a few weeks. However, certain symptoms and signs indicate a more serious underlying issue, making it crucial to seek prompt evaluation from our pain management specialists. If your lower back pain persists beyond a few weeks, worsens progressively, or fails to respond to rest and basic home treatments, it may indicate a condition requiring specialized treatment. Our experienced team can help identify the source of your pain and provide safe, effective management options tailored specifically to your needs.

Seek immediate evaluation at San Antonio Pain Consultants if your lower back pain is accompanied by concerning symptoms such as unexpected weight loss, fever, chills, or night sweats. These symptoms could potentially signal an infection or other underlying medical issues requiring prompt intervention. Additionally, if your lower back pain is associated with neurological symptoms—such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of coordination in your legs or feet—our pain specialists can quickly evaluate you for possible nerve compression or other spinal conditions that may require immediate treatment.

Loss of bowel or bladder control, severe lower back pain, and numbness in the pelvic area could indicate a medical emergency known as cauda equina syndrome. This condition requires urgent care to prevent permanent nerve damage. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Pain following significant trauma, such as a recent fall or accident should also prompt immediate evaluation to rule out fractures or internal injuries. We can provide thorough assessments and coordinate care to ensure your condition is appropriately managed. Individuals with a medical history of cancer, osteoporosis, prolonged steroid use, or immune system disorders should promptly consult with our specialists regarding any new or unusual back pain. These conditions can place you at greater risk for serious spine-related issues.

Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions treated at San Antonio Pain Consultants. However, it’s important to recognize that not all lower back pain originates from musculoskeletal issues. Many medical conditions can mimic or contribute to lower back discomfort, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective sciatica treatment. For example, kidney infections or kidney stones frequently cause pain in the lower back or flank region, which can easily be mistaken for typical musculoskeletal back pain. Similarly, conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis can lead to pelvic discomfort and lower back pressure, requiring careful evaluation to distinguish them from spinal or muscular pain.

Gastrointestinal issues, including pancreatitis, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease, may also manifest as lower back discomfort or referred pain. Additionally, prostate conditions like prostatitis and urinary tract infections in both men and women can present symptoms resembling lower back pain. Moreover, degenerative disorders of the hip joint, such as arthritis or bursitis, often cause pain that radiates into the lower back, further complicating diagnosis. Even vascular conditions, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm, can produce deep, dull lower back pain, highlighting the critical need for thorough medical assessments.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, our experienced specialists carefully evaluate each patient, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and a comprehensive approach to accurately identify the true source of your pain. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe lower back discomfort, schedule a consultation with our pain management experts today. Our goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care services to help you achieve lasting relief.

Lower back pain in women is a common condition treated at San Antonio Pain Consultants, where our expert team understands the unique factors contributing to women’s pain and discomfort. This type of pain can result from various causes, including lifestyle factors, hormonal fluctuations, and underlying medical conditions. Muscle strains or ligament sprains, often triggered by heavy lifting, poor posture, or sudden awkward movements, are among the most frequent issues we diagnose and manage.

Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can significantly contribute to lower back discomfort. Pregnancy-related back pain, for instance, frequently arises due to shifts in body weight, altered posture, and hormones that loosen joints and ligaments. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we provide specialized care and tailored treatment plans to help support women through these natural transitions.

Certain medical conditions specific to women, including endometriosis or uterine fibroids, may also cause lower back pain, especially during menstrual cycles. Additionally, conditions that commonly affect women, such as degenerative disc disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, sciatica caused by nerve compression, kidney infections, urinary tract infections, or pelvic inflammatory disease, often present with lower back discomfort. We also recognize the significant role that lifestyle plays in lower back pain. Factors like prolonged sitting, obesity, inadequate ergonomics, and lack of physical activity can exacerbate symptoms. Emotional stress and tension may further manifest physically, intensifying pain and discomfort.

Back pain is a common concern that frequently resolves on its own; however, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring specialized medical evaluation. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we emphasize the importance of understanding when to seek expert care, ensuring accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prevention of complications. One significant indicator that your back pain may require professional attention is if it becomes persistent or progressively worsens over time, rather than improving with rest, gentle exercises, or over-the-counter treatments. Pain lasting several weeks or months and interfering with daily activities warrants evaluation from a back pain management specialist.

Additionally, if you notice neurological symptoms accompanying your back pain—such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or decreased sensation in your legs, feet, or arms—it is essential to promptly consult a specialist. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, our experienced providers can assess and treat nerve compression, spinal cord issues, and other neurological problems effectively. Pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, chills, or night sweats can signal underlying infections, inflammation, or even malignancies. Our multidisciplinary team at San Antonio Pain Consultants can thoroughly investigate these symptoms, providing timely referrals and collaborative care to address complex conditions. Furthermore, if you’ve experienced sudden or severe back pain following trauma, such as a fall, automobile accident, or significant injury, immediate medical evaluation is critical. Our specialists can quickly assess your condition, rule out fractures or severe spinal injuries, and develop a targeted treatment plan to facilitate your recovery.

If you experience any of these concerning symptoms or have questions regarding your back pain, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with the specialists at San Antonio Pain Consultants. Our compassionate team is committed to delivering personalized, effective care to help you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life.For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.