What can cause back pain?
Back pain can result from a wide variety of medical conditions, ranging from musculoskeletal issues to systemic diseases. Below is a list of common medical conditions that can cause back pain, categorized for clarity.
1. Musculoskeletal Causes
- Muscle or Ligament Strain or Tightness: Overstretching or tearing of muscles/ligaments, often caused by poor lifting techniques, sudden movements, or overuse. Tightness of muscles can also cause back pain such as tight Trapezius / Rotators / Scalenes and many others for upper back pain and Glutes, Quadratus Lumburum and others for lower back pain.
- Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc): When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, compressing nearby nerves.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Aging-related wear and tear of the spinal discs, leading to pain and reduced flexibility.
- Spinal Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the cartilage in the spinal joints, causing inflammation and pain.
- Facet Joint Syndrome: Pain caused by irritation or degeneration of the small joints along the spine.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, causing lower back pain.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses nerves and causes pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine, which can lead to uneven pressure and chronic back pain.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain in the soft tissues and muscles caused by trigger points or muscular imbalances.
2. Nerve-Related Conditions
- Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the back, buttock, and leg.
- Radiculopathy: Nerve root compression, causing pain, numbness, or tingling along the affected nerve pathway.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: Compression of the spinal nerve roots in the lower back, a serious condition causing pain, numbness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to peripheral nerves, often related to diabetes, causing referred back pain.
3. Inflammatory and Rheumatic Conditions
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: An inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, leading to stiffness, pain, and fusion of vertebrae.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that can affect spinal joints, causing inflammation and chronic pain.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: An inflammatory arthritis linked to psoriasis, sometimes involving the spine.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic pain syndrome causing widespread muscle pain, including back pain.
4. Bone-Related Conditions
- Osteoporosis: Weakening of bones due to reduced bone density, increasing the risk of vertebral fractures.
- Compression Fractures: Small breaks in vertebrae, common in individuals with osteoporosis.
- Spinal Tumors: Benign or malignant growths in the spine, compressing nerves or bone structures.
- Infections (Osteomyelitis/Discitis): Bacterial or fungal infections affecting the vertebrae, spinal discs, or surrounding tissues.
5. Internal Organ and Systemic Causes
- Kidney Stones: Sharp, sudden pain in the lower back or flanks due to stones passing through the urinary tract.
- Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): Infections causing pain in the lower back along with fever, chills, and urinary symptoms.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can radiate pain to the back.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): A bulging or weakened area in the aorta, causing severe back or abdominal pain.
- Endometriosis: A condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic and lower back pain.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of reproductive organs, which may cause lower back pain.
- Gallbladder Disease: Gallstones or inflammation can radiate pain to the back and shoulders.
6. Systemic and Chronic Diseases
- Cancer (Metastatic Disease): Cancers spreading to the spine, such as breast, prostate, or lung cancer, can cause back pain.
- Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells that weakens bones, including the spine.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect the spine and muscles.
7. Lifestyle and Psychosomatic Factors
- Stress and Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress can cause muscle tension and back pain.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases strain on the spine, leading to back pain.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting and lack of activity can cause muscle stiffness and pain.
8. Trauma and Injuries
- Spinal Injuries: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries that damage the vertebrae, discs, or ligaments.
- Whiplash: Sudden neck and back movement, often caused by car accidents, leading to soft tissue strain.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek immediate medical attention if back pain is accompanied by:
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe pain following an accident or injury
- Persistent pain unrelieved by rest
This comprehensive list helps highlight that back pain can stem from multiple causes, ranging from musculoskeletal and nerve-related issues to systemic diseases. Proper diagnosis through clinical assessment, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), and specialist input is essential for effective treatment.
If you would like to book an appointment with one of our soft tissue specialists who can look at your concerns and point you in the right direction of how to treat your condition, please contact us or use the booking system online.
