Lumbar Specialist
Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute
Ben Shamloo, MD FIPP
Interventional Spine & Pain Management located in Los Angeles, CA & Studio City, CA
If lumbar spinal pain, or lower back pain, prevents you from enjoying life to its fullest, fellowship-trained pain management specialist Ben Shamloo, MD, FIPP, offers solutions at Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute in Beverly Hills, California. He uses injections, radiofrequency ablation, and more to correct lumbar spinal issues and relieve chronic pain. Schedule an appointment with Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute over the phone or online today.
Lumbar Q & A
What is lumbar pain?
Lumbar pain is lower back pain that affects about 80% of adults at some point during their lives. It can be mild or severe and is often debilitating. Symptoms of lumbar pain include:
- Stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased range of motion
- Discomfort
- Muscle aches
- Radiating pain down your leg
- Stabbing or shooting pain
- Discomfort that worsens with lifting or bending
While lower back pain may subside on its own, visit Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute if the pain lingers more than a few days or is severe.
What causes lumbar pain?
The cause of lumbar pain isn’t always entirely clear but might result from:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bulging or ruptured discs
- Pinched nerves
- Ligament or muscle strains
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis or other skeletal irregularities
You might experience lumbar pain after a sports injury, automobile accident, falling, or lifting something heavy. Factors that increase your risk include older age, smoking, being overweight, lack of exercise, and improper lifting techniques.
How is lumbar pain diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of low back pain, Dr. Shamloo reviews your symptoms, may ask you to do certain movements, and completes a physical exam. He might recommend a blood test, bone scan, nerve conduction study, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine the root cause of your discomfort.
How is lumbar pain treated?
To treat lower back pain, Dr. Shamloo might recommend:
At-home treatments
Rest, ice, heat, or wearing a back brace may alleviate lumbar back pain while your injury heals.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a noninvasive lower back pain treatment that can resolve discomfort using specific flexibility and strength exercises.
Regenerative medicine
Stem cell and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are natural treatments that stimulate cell regeneration and optimize your body’s natural healing ability without downtime. Stem cells are sourced from donated cord blood, fatty tissue, or bone marrow, and PRP comes from your blood.
Radiofrequency ablation
Noninvasive radiofrequency ablation uses heat to reduce pain signal transmission to your brain and ease lumbar discomfort.
Injections
Spinal injections include trigger point, anti-inflammatory, numbing, and cortisone shots that help reduce inflammation, relieve tension, and alleviate discomfort.
Minimally invasive surgery
If other lumbar pain treatments fail, Dr. Shamloo might recommend minimally invasive back surgery to repair tissue damage and offer you long-lasting relief. He uses the latest advances in technology and surgical procedures, such as Superion® Interspinous Spacer treatment for spinal stenosis.
You may also benefit from a spinal cord stimulator.
Don’t live with debilitating lumbar pain when simple solutions are within reach at Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Shamloo over the phone or online today.