More than 90% of Americans will experience low back pain at some point in their life.  The good news is that most acute back pain resolves within 3-4 weeks.  Only 10% of the population will have pain that continues for more than one year.  The bad news is that 75% of individuals will have a relapse within one year if they do not receive the appropriate rehabilitation. Risk factors for low back pain include poor core strength, improper lifting techniques, bad body mechanics, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and smoking.  Fortunately all of these factors are modifiable and reversible. Your physiatrist can appropriately diagnose the cause of your low back pain and outline a specific rehabilitation treatment program to improve symptoms and decrease the risk of recurrence.  While things like anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxers and injections can provide a temporary decrease in pain, they do not address the underlying problems of muscle weakness, poor flexibility and imbalance.  Physiatrists are uniquely trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the low back that cause pain.

Christopher Burton, MD
Christopher Burton, MD

Christopher Burton, MD is a physician, speaker, coach and author, practicing in Pensacola, FL. He specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, which focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions - particularly those of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems - that may produce temporary or permanent impairment of function. Dr. Burton also provides one-on-one Health & Wellness Coaching for select clients who want to improve their life significantly. In addition to his practice and coaching, he actively lectures on health, nutrition and exercise for healthcare groups, colleges, and businesses, and travels internationally teaching on various topics including the treatment and rehabilitation of athletes.