Chronic Low Back Pain

What is Chronic Low Back Pain?

Chronic low back pain is not just a physical problem; it is a complex health issue with psychological, social, and economic dimensions. It can seriously reduce patients' quality of life and lead to sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Causes of Chronic Low Back Pain

• Degenerative changes: Disc degeneration, facet joint arthrosis, spinal stenosis.
• Structural problems: Disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis.
• Musculoskeletal issues: Myofascial pain syndrome, muscle spasms.
• Nerve-related pain: Radiculopathy, neuropathic pain.
• Psychological factors: Stress, depression, anxiety can intensify pain.
• Lifestyle factors: Inactivity, obesity, poor posture.
• Previous surgeries: Failed back surgery syndrome.

Symptoms and Signs

• Continuous dull pain: Persistent pain felt in the lower back area.
• Burning or stabbing pain: Especially seen with nerve involvement.
• Pain increasing with movement: Bending, lifting, or standing for long periods.
• Pain radiating to legs: Sciatica-type pain.
• Morning stiffness: Difficulty moving after sleep.
• Sleep disturbances: Inability to sleep due to pain.
• Functional limitation: Difficulty with daily activities.

Diagnostic Process

• Detailed history: Duration, character, triggers of pain.
• Physical examination: Neurological evaluation, movement tests.
• MRI imaging: Shows soft tissue and nerve structures.
• X-ray: Evaluates bone structure and spinal alignment.
• EMG: Nerve conduction tests.
• Diagnostic injections: To identify the source of pain.
• Psychological assessment: To understand the emotional dimension of pain.

Treatment Approaches

Multidisciplinary Treatment

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Customized exercise programs.
• Pharmacological treatment: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants.
• Interventional procedures: Epidural injections, facet blocks, radiofrequency.
• Psychological support: Cognitive behavioral therapy, pain management education.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Endoscopic discectomy: Removal of herniated disc material.
• Decompression surgery: Relieving nerve pressure.
• Spinal cord stimulation: For chronic pain control.
• Stabilization surgery: For spinal instability.

Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk's Approach

Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk adopts a holistic approach to treating chronic low back pain. He listens to each patient's pain history in detail, performs comprehensive evaluation, and creates a personalized treatment plan.

Thanks to his expertise in minimally invasive techniques, he prefers methods that provide maximum benefit with minimal trauma for patients requiring surgery. The goal is to improve the patient's quality of life and restore functional capacity.

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Exercise regularly, especially strengthen core muscles.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Create an ergonomic work environment.
• Manage stress, practice meditation and breathing exercises.
• Get adequate and quality sleep.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.