Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, most of which is short-term acute lower back pain that goes away within a few days or weeks. At the same time, others develop chronic low back pain that lasts beyond the body’s healing process, usually more than three months. Chronic pain interferes with routine daily activities, work, recreation, and exercise. Do you know what’s causing your lower back pain? Read on to learn more about some of the most common causes.
Causes of Lower Back Pain
Those with lower back pain can feel dull, sharp, aching, or burning sensations. The pain can extend into the buttocks, hips, or legs and may be constant, intermittent, or only after periods of activity.
Back pain can be caused by various factors, such as mechanical or structural problems with the spine, inflammatory conditions, and other medical conditions. Common causes include:
- Sciatica is a type of nerve pain in the leg caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It originates in the lower back, radiating deep into the buttock and down the leg.
- Lumbar disc herniation is when the jelly-like material in a lumbar disc breaks through the outer layer. If the herniated portion of the disc is near a nerve, it can irritate the nerve root and cause inflammation, nerve root compression, and pain.
- Lumbar spondylosis is a term for the different age-related causes of degeneration (osteoarthritis) of the lower spine. Disc discs may dry out and crack as we age, and cartilage may wear out, causing bone spurs, nerve compression, and more.
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is when the sacroiliac joint becomes painful due to an inflammatory condition like sacroiliitis or if there’s too much or too little joint motion.
- Degenerative disc disease is when age-related changes to intervertebral discs cause them to lose hydration. This shifts the force to the disc walls, which can develop tears that weaken them and cause pain. Over time, this increased the risk of disc herniation or collapse.
- Trauma from acute fractures or dislocations of the spine can lead to pain.
Pain Management at KPW Health
At KPW Health, we use a comprehensive approach to treatment. Our experts work collaboratively to find the appropriate treatment strategy that matches each patient’s individual needs. Our commitment extends beyond standard options and into investigating uncommon ones in patients with extreme pain that is not relieved through traditional methods.
Some of our lower back pain treatments include:
- Epidural Steroid Injections
- Facet Joint Injections
- Intravenous Infusions
- Joint Injections
- Peripheral Nerve Block
- Selective Nerve Root Blocks
- Spinal Cord Simulations
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections
- Sacroiliac Joint Fusions
Khalilah M. Weston, MD, MPH
KPW Health also offers evaluations for individuals interested in obtaining their medical marijuana certification. To learn more about the certification process or schedule your pain management consultation, contact us at (727) 230-3423 or send us a message online.
Sources:
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain
https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain