Chronic low back pain affects millions of people around the world and is a common ailment that is treated at Mind Your Body Clinic. Pain felt in your lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves, or other structures in that region. It may also radiate from other areas like your mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, aortic aneurysm, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries.

You may have been doing many things improperly -- like standing, sitting, or lifting -- for a long time. Then suddenly, one simple movement, like reaching for something out of the cupboard or bending from your waist, leads to feeling pain. When you meet with Dr Jutla, she will evaluate you to determine which of the five major etiologies (myofascial, osteogenic, facetogenic, discogenic, and radiculopathy) for back pain that you manifest and plan your treatment accordingly.

Dr Jutla will ask the following questions during her consultation with you after your primary doctor has made the referral.

• What does the pain feel like? Is it dull, sharp, throbbing, or burning?
• When did the pain begin? Did it start suddenly? Did you have a particular injury or accident? What were you doing just before the pain began? Were you lifting or bending? Sitting at your computer? Driving a long distance?
• Do you have any numbness or tingling? Any weakness or loss of function in either or both legs?
• What makes the pain worse? Lifting, twisting, standing, or sitting for long periods of time?
• Are there any other symptoms present? Weight loss? Fever? Change in urination? Change in bowel habits?