Common Lower Back Conditions
If you are experiencing pain in your lower back, the following conditions may be the culprit. Sometimes you may be experiencing lower back pain because of a combination of factors and conditions. A diagnosis can only be made by a physician with methods that may include tests such as x-rays and MRIs.
Spinal stenosis occurs when one or more areas of the spine narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This compression can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the extremities. Spinal stenosis can be caused by arthritis, or the degeneration of joints…
Lumbar stenosis is the narrowing of the spine in the lower back. It is most commonly caused by aging, when the disc degenerates and loses water content. This results in the space between the discs in the vertebrae settling or collapsing causing symptoms in the lower back or legs…
Sometimes referred to as slipped, ruptured or bulging disc, a herniated disc occurs when the jelly-like center, or nucleus, of your vertebrae pushes against the outer ring of the vertebrae causing back pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs. In some cases, if the disc is worn or injured, the nucleus may burst through the outer ring altogether…
Symptoms of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine (or lower back) can range from low back pain as an early symptom followed by leg pain, numbness, or weakness…
Neurogenic or spinal claudication is the impairment in walking caused by the narrowing of the nerve root canal (or spinal stenosis). Neurogenic claudication causes pain, cramping, discomfort, or weakness in the legs during walking…
Low back pain has multiple causes, many of which are discussed in detail in other sections of this website. It is primarily musculoskeletal (Tendinitis, bursitis, trigger points) in nature and can be acute or short term or chronic, lasting three months or more…
Musculoskeletal pain affects the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and nerves and can be characterized by tenderness, stiffness, localized or widespread pains and aches, as well as muscle burning and fatigue. Among its causes are injury, repetitive motion and poor posture…
A normal, healthy disc cartilage primarily consists of water and protein, giving the disc a “white” appearance. With aging, however, much of the water in the cartilage is lost, causing the disc to become dehydrated or desiccated and giving it a “black” appearance…
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the bones in your spine slips forward. It may occur anywhere in the spine but most commonly occurs in the lower back. The two most common types of spondylolisthesis are degenerative spondylolisthesis and lytic spondylolisthesis…
As we age and the spine begins to dry out and weaken, the discs in the spine can lose height, become stiff, and begin to bulge. As arthritis develops, it weakens the joints and ligaments that hold the vertebrae in place…
Spondylolytic spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the vertebrae in the spine slips forward as a result of a break. This most often occurs in the lumbar area of the spine. The fracture most often occurs during adolescence and goes unnoticed until adulthood…
Spondylolysis occurs when one of the vertebrae (usually the fifth lumbar vertebra) fractures. This fracture at the pars interarticularis (rear portion of the vertebra) is a very common cause of low back, occurring in adolescents and athletes due to hyperextension injuries but is often found as a genetic, inherited condition as well…
nduced fracture such as from a high-energy impact of an auto accident or fall, gunshot wound or sports-related injury…
As we get older, our bones thin and our bone strength decreases. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become very weak and more likely to break. It often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a bone breaks…
A burst fracture is a type of spinal injury in which a vertebrae breaks from a high-energy axial (Vertical) load (car accidents or falls from height), with all or pieces of the vertebra pushed into surrounding tissues and sometimes the spinal canal…
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine often beginning in childhood. Symptoms of scoliosis include one shoulder or shoulder blade protruding more than the other, unevenness of the rib cage, waist, hips or legs. Scoliosis can have developmental, degenerative or congenital causes…
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis and is encountered mainly in adolescents. Screening for idiopathic scoliosis is routinely done in elementary schools by medical professionals using the Adam’s forward bend test, and if found to be abnormal, followed by referral to a physician for imaging and further evaluation…
Degenerative scoliosis occurs as a result of age from degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis or vertebral compression…
Kyphosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine causing a rounded, or hunchback appearance. A curve of more than 50 degrees is considered to be abnormal. Symptoms can include the rounded back, back pain, stiffness and tenderness, and fatigue…
Scheuremann’s Kyphosis (or Scheuremann’s Disease) is usually discovered in the teen years, and the deformity, which typically involves the thoracic spine, can be significant…
Acquired kyphosis typically develops in adults and can be related to degeneration from the aging process or from trauma, inflammation, osteoporosis, infection or cancer. A rounded, hunchback appearance is indicative of acquired kyphosis and once diagnosed through imaging and occasionally…
Discitis is an inflammation of the disc space of usually the thoracic or lumbar spine found in adults but more commonly seen in children. It is a very painful condition and can be aggravated by moving the spine…
A spinal tumor is a growth of cells located in or around the spinal cord at any level. The tumor can be cancerous or noncancerous and can cause pain in the affected level as well as neurological problems including numbness…
Post Laminectomy Syndrome or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is a condition in which pain continues after spinal surgery, in the form of a fusion, laminectomy or discectomy. Symptoms include the same pain as before the surgery, dull aches and pains…
The sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) and the pelvis. The sacroiliac joints are gliding joints and are surrounded by strong ligaments; they do not move much. Their main purpose…
The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is located in the pelvis; it links the iliac bones (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone). It is an essential component for shock absorption to prevent impact forces from…