That ache in your lower back that just won't quit.
Lower back pain is the single most common reason people see a pain specialist — and one of the most treatable. Whether it's a dull background ache, sudden spasms, or stiffness that makes getting out of bed hard, pinning down the actual cause is what separates a quick fix from lasting relief.
Your doctor may call this lumbago or a lumbar strain.
Often seen within a few days — sometimes as soon as tomorrowRequest your first visit
Pick a day and time that works at a NASPAC office near you — we'll call you right back to lock it in.
No referral needed. We verify your insurance before you arrive.
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A NASPAC team member from a NASPAC office near you will reach out to confirm your visit and answer any questions.
What lower back pain really is.
"Lower back pain" is less a diagnosis than a description. It can come from a strained muscle, an irritated facet joint, a disc pushing on a nerve, a problem with the sacroiliac joint, or several of these at once. That's why two people can describe the same aching back and need completely different treatments.
Pain that stays in the lower back without traveling down the leg is usually what physicians call axial pain — it comes from the local structures: discs, joints, muscles, or ligaments. Pain that radiates below the knee typically means a nerve is involved. The distinction matters enormously for treatment, which is why a thorough examination and the right imaging come first.
The good news
Lower back pain gets better for most people. Acute episodes usually settle within a few weeks. Even chronic lower back pain — lasting more than three months — responds to a well-targeted treatment plan. Understanding the generator of your specific pain is what makes the plan work.
Mechanical vs. non-mechanical pain
We categorize lower back pain as mechanical (changes with position and activity — better with movement, worse with loading) or non-mechanical (persistent regardless of position, may signal inflammatory or systemic causes). Among mechanical cases we localize the pain generator — disc, facet joint, sacroiliac joint, or paraspinal muscle — using history, provocation testing, and targeted imaging, then select treatment based on what we find, not just the symptom.
Common signs we treat.
Deep, aching lower-back pain
A persistent dull ache in the lumbar region — sometimes worse at certain times of day, after sitting, or after standing too long.
Stiffness or limited motion
Difficulty bending, twisting, or straightening — especially first thing in the morning or after prolonged rest.
Pain that spreads to the hips
An ache that spills from the lower back into the buttocks or hips — common when the SI joint or local muscles are involved.
From hurting to healed.
We work from the least-invasive options upward, escalating only if you need it. Most patients improve well before surgery is ever discussed.
Diagnose the cause
A physician examines you and, if needed, reviews imaging to pinpoint exactly what's driving the pain.
Calm it down
Targeted physical therapy, activity guidance, and medication to settle the irritation and reduce inflammation.
Image-guided injections
If pain persists, a precisely targeted injection delivered to the source under imaging.
Advanced options
For the few who need more, minimally invasive interventional procedures — with surgery as a last resort.
Treatment is matched to your specific diagnosis at your visit. The options shown reflect NASPAC's general approach and should be confirmed against the practice's verified procedure list.
Still have questions?
Most lower back pain is mechanical and not dangerous. See a physician promptly if you have pain after a fall or injury, if it's accompanied by numbness or weakness in a leg, if you're losing bladder or bowel control, or if the pain is severe and unrelenting at rest. These can signal something that needs urgent attention.
Muscle and ligament strain — from a sudden lift, a long period of sitting, or cumulative stress — accounts for the majority of acute episodes. Disc problems, facet joint irritation, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction are the next most frequent causes. Identifying which one is driving your pain is the first job of a proper evaluation.
Acute lower back pain often improves meaningfully within two to four weeks with appropriate care. Pain that persists beyond six to eight weeks warrants a more thorough workup so the cause can be addressed directly. Chronic lower back pain — lasting over three months — is very common but very treatable with the right targeted approach.
For most lower back pain, gentle movement is better than bed rest. Prolonged rest allows muscles to weaken and stiffen, which can slow recovery. We typically recommend staying as active as comfortable, combined with targeted physical therapy to address the underlying cause — rather than waiting it out on the couch.
Stop living with the back pain.
Book with a board-certified pain physician near you — most patients are seen within days.
Book an appointment → Or call (855) 862-7767