Lower Back Pain Specialist

Grant D. Shifflett, M.D.

Spine Surgeon located in Marina Del Rey, CA & Newport Beach, CA

Mild or severe lower back pain can interfere with your daily functioning. If your back pain stops you from enjoying the things you love, seek the help of Grant D. Shifflett, MD. A spinal surgeon who specializes in minimally-invasive techniques and complex cases, Dr. Shifflett finds the cause of your pain and develops a plan to restore your spinal function and improve your quality of life. If you live in or near Newport Beach or Marina del Rey, California, call the office today to schedule your appointment. You can book your initial consultation online.

310-438-5017

Lower Back Pain Q & A

What causes lower back pain?

Many conditions cause lower back pain. In some cases, a specific incident such as lifting something heavy leads to this uncomfortable, and sometimes debilitating, sensation. You can also develop back pain overtime without an identifiable catalyst.

Some common causes of lower back pain include the following:

Arthritis
Disc injury, including bulges, tears, or herniations
Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
Overuse
Spinal stenosis
Scoliosis
Spinal tumors

What are lower back pain symptoms?

The experience of lower back pain differs from person to person. You may have dull and aching pain or sharp and stabbing jolts. Your pain may stay in your back or radiate through your buttocks, hips, or legs.

Your pain may worsen when you bend and lift or spend too much time sitting at a desk. In some cases, your back pain may decrease when reclining or lying down. Your lower back pain may come and go or might constantly be present.

Other symptoms of low back pain include:

Weakness
Tingling
Numbness

How is low back pain treated?

The cause of your back pain determines the treatment. Dr. Shifflett always attempts to use the least-invasive treatment possible and offers a wide range of non-operative procedures to manage low back pain.

Facet joint injections

If your low back pain results from a degenerative condition, such as DDD or osteoarthritis, Dr. Shifflett may recommend facet joint infections. These injections diagnose the cause of your pain by determining if it occurs in the spinal joints or is from the nerves.

Rhizotomies

Dr. Shifflett may suggest a rhizotomy if nerves cause your lower back pain. Using a fluoroscopy -- a live X-ray device -- he guides a needle-like electrode to your nerve then stimulates it to confirm the precise location. He heats your nerve with the electrode, which deadens it and stops the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Stem cell injections

Specialized and undifferentiated, stem cells transform into other types of cells. They help repair and restore body tissues, including bone, tendons, and ligaments. Dr. Shifflett may recommend stem cell injections for lower back pain to enhance your body’s healing process or rejuvenate spine health.

Don’t let low back pain stop you from living the life you want. Call Dr. Shifflett’s office to schedule your initial consultation or book your appointment online today.

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