Lower Back Pain: Common Causes

Lower back pain can be crippling—both literally and figuratively. When patients suffer from lower back pain, they often want relief immediately. Sometimes, however, it’s important to try and pinpoint the cause of the pain. Even if it can’t be directly cured and pain management is still needed, knowing the cause can prevent more damage from occurring. Here are a few of the more common causes of lower back pain.

Degenerative and Herniated Discs

The lower back is perhaps the most physically stressed part of the human body, in terms of strain and mechanical pressure. The upper body’s weight must be supported by the lower back. Not only must that, but the lower back mediate movement between the upper and lower parts of the body. All of this can result in herniated or degenerated disc conditions. The spine is responsible for supporting the upper body, while still being required to have a full range of motion itself. It’s composed of vertebrae. Between the vertebrae are discs, which cushion these joints. These discs, like most things, wear down over time. This wear and tear is referred to as a degenerative disorder of the disc. That can lead to back pain. Herniated discs result from a bulging or injured disc touching certain nerves in the spine.

Other Causes of Lower Back Pain

While herniated and degenerated discs are the most common causes of severe and chronic lower back pain, they are hardly the only culprits. There are many other disorders and conditions which can lead to lower back pain. For example, other injuries to discs can result in similar pain. Also, spondylolisthesis can be responsible for pain. When the spine wears out over time, it can lead to the person not maintaining proper posture. When they don’t, it causes strain on vertebrae in a new and often painful manner. This can lead to lower back pain.

Osteoporosis is a condition of the bones which results in their being more brittle and easily broken. Calcium is leeched from the bones over time, weakening them. Just as osteoporosis can lead to other breaks and fractures, it can also lead to vertebral fractures which can result in significant levels of pain in the lower part of the back. Spinal stenosis is yet another cause of lower back pain. It is the name of a condition which describes the narrowing of the space which surrounds the nerves known as the spinal cord. Bone spurs are usually the cause of the narrowing, and these are usually the result of having developed osteoarthritis, a degenerative bone condition. Scoliosis is another spinal condition which causes pain in the back. Scoliosis, like many other back conditions, leads to an atypical spinal curve, which puts strain on the vertebrae and muscles.

Serious Health Problems

While it’s not common, lower back pain can also be indicative of more acutely serious health problems, like untreated diabetes or pinched nerves. If there are other symptoms accompanying back pain, make a doctor’s appointment.