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Lower Back Pain Causes One common lower back pain cause is a strain in the muscles or a lumbar sprain in the lower back. When muscle strain occurs, the muscles in the back become stretched abnormally or too much, resulting in tears in the muscle fibers. A lumbar sprain can occur in similar ways and yield almost identical symptoms of pain, however when this occurs the ligaments in the back become injured, not the muscles. The ligaments are thick, fibrous bands of tissue that hold bones, cartilage, and other structures together. Generally, these symptoms can be difficult to differentiate since their symptoms are so similar, but luckily the treatment is usually the same. Most cases of lower back pain are caused by a lumbar sprain or muscle strain. However, when pain becomes chronic or severe, or when there is noticeable weakness in the lower extremities, it is important to consult your physician to ensure that the symptoms don’t become worse. In addition to sprains and strains, another common lower back pain cause is a herniated or ruptured disc. The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions. They rest between the vertebrae and help to absorb and distribute weight. In addition, they also help to maintain stability during movement. Over time, this soft cushion can become firmer and lose its elasticity. If this disc becomes herniated it begins to bulge out from the spinal column and the bulge can pinch the nerves and spinal cord. The effects of this can be severe. Weakness in the lower extremities is one symptom, as is severe pain in the legs, difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, and paresthesias which is abnormal feelings or sensations through the body. Arthritis often affects knees and other joints in the body, but is can also be a common lower back pain cause as well. Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common varieties of arthritis and is thought to be caused by years of wear and tear on the joints, causing them to become worn down and become inflamed. Typically, osteoarthritis affects elderly people, although early symptoms can begin between the ages of 30 and 40. The joints of the lumbar spine can be seriously affected when this condition contributes to the wearing down of cartilage and tissue around the joints, often resulting in deep aching pain, joint swelling, reduced movement, morning stiffness, and the degeneration of smooth movement. Osteoporosis is often a cause of lower back pain and can have serious effects. Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density and the degeneration of bone tissue. This condition can have very serious effects since increased thinning of bone can lead to problems with structural support. There are two types of osteoporosis, type I and type II. Typically, type I osteoporosis occurs in post-menopausal women. Type II is most common and can occur in both men and woman, typically among the elderly. As people age, calcium and phosphate are often absorbed from the bone back into the body. This process often lowers bone density and causes bone to be weaker and brittle. Hormone deficiencies are often the most common cause of osteoporosis, where estrogen is lacking among women and testosterone is lacking among men. Age, having menopause, and having a family history of osteoporosis are often significant risk factors for developing the condition. Symptoms may include fractures, neck pain, lower back pain, and pain or tenderness in bones. Often, there are no early signs of the condition and fractures as a result of the condition can sometimes be the first sign of osteoporosis. To help prevent this condition it is essential to have a balanced diet with the right amount of calcium, which aids in the maintenance of bones, taking phosphorous, and taking Vitamin D which helps with the absorption of calcium. It is also important to avoid smoking and consuming alcohol. Exercise also helps bones retain density. Spinal stenosis is also a common lower back pain cause. This condition refers to the narrowing of the spinal column, usually in people over the age of 50. When the disks between the vertebrae lose moisture and volume with age, they become narrower and space between the discs becomes much smaller. This condition can often cause inflammation around the joints. In addition, it can cause nerves and tissue to become pinched, causing pain and other damage to the tissue. Fibromyalgia is not a familiar sounding condition, but it is a more common cause of lower back pain than people may think. Stiffness, fatigue, and chronic muscle aches are symptoms that are often associated with this condition. This condition also leads to the inflammation of the body’s connective tissue. Chronic pain is often a symptom of this condition and emotional stress has been known to add to the pain that is felt. Back spasms, although usually not severe, can also be a lower back pain cause. Spasms are spontaneous, abnormal contractions of muscles in the lower back. When these spasms occur around the spinal cord it can become painful. Usually, muscles spasms are a response to some sort of injury or strain that affected the muscles in the back. These are among the most common types of lower back pain causes. Obviously, there are many different conditions that can contribute to pain. If left untreated, many of these conditions can significantly contribute to the degeneration of bones and tissue throughout the back and lower back, which can have serious affects on your health. This is why understanding the structure of the back and learning about the different ailments is crucial in determining the specific cause of back pain, and it will also allow you to understand what specific condition may be plaguing your back.
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