Back pain affects millions of Americans. It can be a nuisance, or it can be debilitating. Because there can be so many different causes of back pain, it is important to see an expert physician to diagnose the pain.
Back pain can manifest itself because of other issues within the body such as kidney disease, appendicitis, severe urinary tract infection and more. It is important that these health problems be ruled out first.
Existing conditions such as scoliosis or arthritis can contribute to back pain. Arthritis in the back is called osteoarthritis of the spine and causes stiffness and pain. Osteoporosis can also cause back pain. Conditions that develop over time also cause neck and back pain. Unfortunately, one of the main causes of back pain is caused by aging—something we all go through. As we age, the discs in our back, which provide cushioning, start to dry out and become less spongy. This in turn makes them more susceptible to fracturing, which allows the jelly-like center part to slip out. This condition is called herniated disc or bulging or slipped disc. Herniated discs are most common in older adults.
Spinal stenosis is another common cause of back pain that can happen with aging. Discs dry out and lose volume with age, which decreases the disc space and narrow the spine. This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, and the nerve root is compressed. This usually means pain down into the back of the legs. Other conditions caused by aging include degenerative disc disease, an umbrella term that includes lumbar disc disease and cervical degenerative disc disease.
There are many other types of back conditions that cause pain including spondylolisthesis. This is a condition wherein a vertebrae slips out of its proper position and onto the bone below it. Additionally, injury to the back including sprains or fractures can cause pain.
Overall, there are many different causes of back pain. The cause of your back pain could be a few different factors—that is why it’s important to see a physician to properly diagnose your back pain, and any underlying conditions.
If you are suffering from back pain, pain that radiates from the back into the legs, neck pain, or if back pain is interfering with your everyday life, contact us. Or call our dedicated Medical Concierge at 800-890-1964 to learn more or set up an appointment.
