Lasting back pain deserves a real answer.
Many things can cause back pain. Treatment works best when you know which one you are dealing with.
Schedule EvaluationUnderstanding back pain.
Back pain can start in the muscles, joints, discs, or nerves of the lower back. It may build slowly over years of wear, or start suddenly after a lift, a twist, or a fall.
Some back pain stays in the back. Some comes with leg pain, numbness, or weakness, which can point to a pinched nerve. Different problems can feel alike, so a careful diagnosis matters.
Common symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the lower back
- Sharp pain when you bend, lift, or twist
- Pain that travels into the buttock or leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Trouble standing or walking for long
What could be causing it.
Several spine conditions can cause back pain, and more than one is often present at the same time. Finding the main source is the key step before any treatment.
Conditions that can be responsible
- Herniated or bulging disc
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Pinched nerve (lumbar radiculopathy)
- Facet joint arthritis
- Muscle or ligament strain
When rest is not enough.
Most back pain gets better on its own within a few weeks. If yours does not, or if it spreads into your legs, it is time to find out why.
If back pain is limiting your work, your sleep, or your life, it is worth understanding the cause.
Schedule a spine evaluation →Consider evaluation if
- Pain has lasted more than four to six weeks
- Pain travels into the leg or foot
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg
- Pain keeps getting worse despite rest
- Trouble standing, walking, or sitting
- Past treatment did not help
An early answer gives you more options.
How Dr. Pompliano evaluates your condition.
Dr. Pompliano starts with your story: how the pain began, what makes it worse, and what it keeps you from doing. A focused exam checks your strength, reflexes, and movement, and looks for signs of nerve trouble.
If imaging is needed, X-rays or an MRI show what is happening inside the spine. He reviews the pictures with you and explains what they mean before any decision is made.
No recommendation comes before a clear diagnosis.
Your path to treatment.
Care starts with the least invasive option that fits your condition. Many patients get better without surgery.
Surgery becomes an option when pain will not let up or a nerve is under ongoing pressure. If Dr. Pompliano recommends it, it is because it offers the most reliable path back to normal life.
Non-surgical options
- Physical therapy and core strengthening
- Activity changes and ergonomic advice
- Medication management
- Epidural steroid injections
Surgical options when indicated
- Lumbar decompression (laminectomy)
- Microdiscectomy
- Lumbar fusion
- Artificial disc replacement in select cases
- Minimally invasive approaches
The right spine surgeon for your back.
Fellowship-trained. Conservative first. Focused on function.
Fellowship
Fellowship-trained in minimally invasive spine surgery at the San Diego Spine Foundation.
Philosophy
Surgery is recommended only after non-surgical care has had a fair chance.
Lumbar expertise
Trained in decompression, microdiscectomy, fusion, and minimally invasive techniques.
Integrated care
Practices with Columbia Orthopaedic Group, with imaging and pain management in the same group.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Pompliano
[Patient testimonial: Dr. Pompliano to supply]
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[Patient testimonial: Dr. Pompliano to supply]
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Back pain that will not let up?
Schedule an evaluation to find the cause of your symptoms and learn your options.
The first step is a conversation.
Request ConsultationPrefer to call? (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Accepting new patients · Second opinions welcome