Spine & Back Pain

Sometimes referred to as a “bulging disc,” or a “ruptured disc,” a herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc fragment is pushed through a tear in the exterior casing of the annulus fibrosus. Since a portion of the disc “slips” out of place, this condition is also commonly known as a “slipped disc.” Spinal disc herniation usually occurs due to the degeneration of the disc, which can result from an injury, or normal wear and tear. Depending on the severity, a herniated disc may result in discomfort or pain, and may require medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Many herniated discs are spontaneously reabsorbed as part of the body’s natural healing properties.

Pinched nerves in the back usually occur due to a herniated disc in the lower spine that places pressure on a spinal nerve. This results in pain, discomfort, or a numbness and tingling in the affected area, down one or both legs. This condition is commonly referred to as sciatica when the pain radiates below the knee.

Congenital scoliosis, commonly referred to as “curvature of the spine,” is a condition that is present at birth. Symptoms may also be present at birth, or may not appear until adolescence. Scoliosis can also appear in adults, usually resulting from a separate spinal condition that impacts the vertebrae. Scoliosis is not typically painful, unless degenerative changes develop between the vertebra.

Sometimes referred to as “Scheuermann’s disease,” kyphosis is a spinal disorder where an abnormally curved spine produces a forward rounding of the upper back. This back condition is common during adolescence, or may be a symptom of osteoporosis.

A common injury in sports that stress the bones in the lower back, spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra slips forward, usually at the base of the spine. Depending on the severity, the slipped vertebra may impinge on the nerves, resulting in severe lower back pain, leg pain, or numbness.

Often referred to as a “broken back,” or “fractured vertebra,” spinal fractures result in severe pain and usually prevent sufferers from bearing weight. Due to the complexity of the spine, spinal fractures may cause the bones to pinch and damage nerves or the spinal cord itself. Spinal fractures should be treated immediately at the nearest emergency room.

Often referred to as “pulled muscles,” muscle sprains and strains are common sources of lower back pain. A sprain involves overstretching or tearing of the ligaments, while a strain involves overstretching or tearing of tendons or muscles.

Tendon and ligament tears are also common sources of lower back pain, and may be related to strains. A lumbar strain, for example, results from a stretched or torn ligament.

Sciatica refers to the discomfort and pain that results when the sciatic nerve is injured or placed under pressure. The symptoms of sciatica usually affect a single side of the body, and may be present in the buttocks, hip, or lower leg.

Sometimes referred to as “narrowing of the spine,” spinal stenosis is a common spine condition that places pressure on the spinal cord or the spinal nerves. Common causes include normal wear and tear, and this pinching of the nerves or spinal cord produces numbness, discomfort, or pain in the lower back and pain or a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

This disorder is characterized by widespread muscle pain in areas such as the lower back, buttocks, elbows, knees, neck, and shoulders.

An indirect cause of back pain, osteoporosis can weaken the vertebrae to the point where the spine can be injured from normal wear and tear, or slight injuries. Osteoporosis results in a higher risk of spine fracture.

Often referred to as “PDB,” or “osteitis deformans,” Paget’s disease of bone is a disease that can impact the skull, spine, pelvis, and legs. This disease interferes with the recycling process for bone tissue, which can cause the affected bones to become deformed and weak.

Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae thin due to normal wear and tear, which can stiffen movements and result in pain or weakness, or numbness if a nerve is pinched.

Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors can form lumps in or around the spinal vertebrae. Spinal tumors are classified by the area that they impact, and include cervical, sacrum, lumbar, and thoracic. Tumors may or may not be painful. All tumors require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Sometimes referred to as “Bechterew’s disease,” ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men, usually appears in early adulthood, and primarily affects the spinal joints. The spinal joints become inflamed, which can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.

Osteoarthritis results from normal wear and tear, overuse, and aging. In this condition, the protective cartilage between the vertebrae deteriorate, causing the spinal bones to rub against each other, which leads to pain, stiffness, and inflexibility.

Commonly referred to as “R.A.,” this chronic autoimmune disorder is characterized by inflammation and damage to the cartilage in the vertebrae. This damage leads to swelling, stiffness, bone erosion, and pain, which can be disabling.