5 Common Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain

The lumbar spine, or lower back, is one of the most common sources of chronic pain. Many people suffer from lower back pain that restricts their mobility and impacts their quality of life. The difficulty with treating lower back pain is that there are many different injuries, conditions and diseases that can cause similar pain. Let’s look at some of the common causes of chronic lower back pain. Finding the source of pain is the first step to determining the best treatment for relief.

Herniated Lumbar Disc

The spinal discs in the lumbar spine are put under the most stress. If the outer hard layer of a spinal disc ruptures due to degenerative disease or injury, it can cause a herniated disc that can leak or protrude. This can put pressure on nearby nerve roots, causing chronic back pain.

Spine Osteoarthritis or Spondylosis

Most people over 65 have some level of spondylosis or osteoarthritis in the spine – up to 89% of them – especially in the lower back. The inflammation, bone spurs and degeneration of the spine from osteoarthritis can compress or aggravate nerves, causing ongoing back pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As spinal discs age, they lose moisture and become brittle. This is common in mid-life (30s to 50s) and can result in less support for the lower spine and increased risks for spinal discs that bulge or herniate and cause pain.

Spinal Stenosis

The spinal cord and nerve roots in the spinal column can become compressed due to spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the inner spine. This can cause lower back pain and sciatica symptoms due to nerve irritation.

Spondylolisthesis

Deterioration of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine can allow one vertebra to slip forward onto the vertebra below, a condition called spondylolisthesis. This can result in nerve root compression and functional issues that can cause chronic lower back pain.

There are many other lumbar spine and musculoskeletal issues in the lower back that can cause chronic pain. It is vital to have an experienced spine and neurosurgical medical team that will isolate the source of pain to find the best treatment option. Our team of neuro-spine surgeon specialists at DOCS Health in Los Angeles is your source for chronic lower back pain treatment and relief. Contact our office in Beverly Hills to schedule an appointment.