Mercy Spine Surgeon Dr. Justin Park Discusses Treatment For Lower Back Pain

According to Mercy spinal surgeon Dr. Justin J. Park, lower back pain can be due to issues with surrounding soft tissues, bones, and/or the discs of the lumbar spine.

“The most common culprit is a lumbar strain that involves inflammation of the muscles and ligaments of the lower back. Sprains will usually resolve in 2 weeks with activity modification, rest, and anti-inflammatories,” Dr. Park said.

When problems are due to the discs or bones of the lumbar spine, lower back symptoms can last for longer periods and may not be responsive to these treatment methods, Dr. Parks noted.

“Consultation with a spine surgeon may be advisable if lower back symptoms persist and if patients develops signs of nerve compression.  This can include pain, numbness and tingling, and weakness of the lower extremities.  In the vast majority of cases, all causes of lower back pain have excellent resolution without surgical intervention,” Dr. Park said.

Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery and provides specialized treatment of degenerative and deformity conditions of the spine, Dr. Park received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, and his Spine Surgery fellowship at the Leatherman Spine Center.

Dr. Park is fluent in Korean and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in spine surgery. He received training in both orthopedic and neurosurgical spinal techniques. Dr. Park has clinical expertise in degenerative spinal fusion, minimally invasive decompression surgery, spinal trauma, tumors and complex adult and pediatric spinal deformity correction.

Dr. Park sees patients at The Maryland Spine Center on Mercy’s main campus and at Glen Burnie Personal Physicians.