Back pain is a common condition in today’s society. In fact, over 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Following is an overview of some of the more common causes of back pain:
Back strain
This non-radiating back pain occurs as a result of stress placed on the lower spine. Back strain may be related to strain on the muscles or ligaments caused by either a specific traumatic episode (such as a fall or car accident) or poor body mechanics.
Discs are fibrous pads of cartilage which separate vertebrae. The discs allow for flexibility in your spine, assist the muscles as shock absorbers, and provide cushioning between the vertebrae. As a disc ages, it can dry out, flatten, and lose its elastic, springy quality. As a result, the vertebrae above and below the disc move closer together and can pinch the nerves of the spinal cord. Also, vertebra ends can thicken and form bony growths, or spurs, called osteophytes, which can further irritate the nerves. Learn more>>
Disc injury (bulging, herniated, or extruded)
Disc injury is among the most common spine problems, and usually results from repetitive and excessive stress on the annulus fibrosus (tough rings of tissue that protect the nucleus pulposus, the center of the disc). Disc injury can also be caused by a loss of normal movement in other areas of the spine and in the extremities, and by any sudden movement. A disc injury may be referred to as a bulging, herniated, or extruded disc – terms which indicate the extent to which the disc is damaged. Learn more >>
Ligament strain
Ligament strain is caused by a partial tear in the ligament. The initial symptom is pain felt immediately after injuring the ligament, followed by stiffness and limited mobility without pain. A backache may develop when a person with an injured ligament practices poor body mechanics, attempts to lift or support heavy objects, or stands for prolonged periods of time, especially when wearing high-heeled shoes.
Mechanical back bain
This type of back pain usually occurs as a cumulative effect of poor body mechanics, which place tremendous stress on the spinal structures. Mechanical back pain can occur as a result of lifting, bending, or twisting, remaining in the same position for an extended period of time, or a combination of these activities.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The pain sometimes extends from the buttock down the back of the leg to the foot. Symptoms can include numbness, weakness in the legs and ankles and a prickly sensation. The most common cause of sciatica is a disc injury, although any kind of pressure on the sciatic nerve or disorder that involves nerves can produce this condition.
There are two forms of spinal stenosis. One form, central spinal stenosis, occurs when bony growths in the spinal canal reduce the diameter of the spinal canal, squeezing the spinal cord, which is inside. The second form of spinal stenosis, foraminal spinal stenosis, is caused by the narrowing of the intervertebral foramina, the spaces within the vertebral column through which the spinal nerves pass. In this case, the nerve roots may be pinched. Learn more >>
Spondylolisthesis / spondylolysis
Spondylolisthesis is the forward slipping of one vertebrae over another. It most commonly occurs in the lower spine but may also occur in the cervical spine. Spondylolysis is the term used when a fracture occurs in a specific area of the back (arch) of the vertebrae. These two conditions do not necessarily occur together; patients may experience one or both.
Specific treatment plans can differ significantly depending on whether the back pain is acute or chronic, radiating down the legs or non-radiating. It is therefore important to make an early and accurate diagnosis. Clinicians, such as Dr. Karahalios, specializing in the treatment of spine disease are uniquely qualified to identify the specific structure in the spine causing the back or neck pain. Dr. Karahalios is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon who focuses his practice to conditions impacting the spine, including neck pain, back pain and spinal tumors.
Dr. Karahalios suggests that if the patient’s pain and disability do not improve or in fact worsen after a period of four weeks, consultation with a spine specialist should be considered. On the other hand, cases of acute low back pain with weakness in the legs, bowel or bladder incontinence, severe trauma, or known tumors, should consult with a spine surgeon immediately. Learn more >>
Low back pain diagnosis
Specific treatment plans can differ significantly depending on whether the back pain is acute or chronic, radiating down the legs or non-radiating. It is therefore important to make an early and accurate diagnosis. Clinicians, such as Dr. Karahalios, specializing in the treatment of spine disease are uniquely qualified to identify the specific structure in the spine causing the back or neck pain. Dr. Karahalios is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon that limits his practice to conditions impacting the spine, including neck pain, back pain and spinal tumors.
Dr. Karahalios suggests that if the patient’s pain and disability do not improve or in fact worsen after a period of four weeks, consultation with a spine specialist should be considered. On the other hand, cases of acute low back pain with weakness in the legs, bowel or bladder incontinence, severe trauma, or known tumors, should consult with a spine surgeon immediately.