8 Common Causes of Low Back Pain

The lumbar spine includes the lowest 5-6 vertebrae located above the sacroiliac joint or tailbone. A spinal disc cushions each vertebra, and facet joints connect the spinal bones, allowing them to bend and move. The lumbar spine is vulnerable to injuries and degenerative conditions due to the strain on this area. Millions of people each year seek medical care for low back pain caused by lumber spine disorders. The following are eight common causes of low back pain that are located within the lumbar spine.

1. Lumbar Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the facet joints in the spine. Lumbar osteoarthritis is prevalent, especially in elderly individuals or those with previous lumbar spine injuries. This inflammation condition can create stiff and painful facet joints in the lower back, affecting the nerves and soft tissues surrounding the lumbar spine.

2. Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease, or DDD, is common in the lower back and usually begins in those in their late thirties or early forties. This disease of the spinal discs results in flatter, less spongy discs that no longer provide the best support or cushion for the vertebrae—many people with DDD experience low back pain and radiculopathy. DDD discomfort can be relieved with conservative treatments and rarely requires spine surgery.

3. Lumbar Stenosis

Narrowing of the area inside the spine is called stenosis. Lumbar stenosis is commonly caused by degenerative disorders and wear on the lower spinal components. Thickened ligaments, bone spurs, inflammation, bulging discs, and other conditions can create a small spinal column space. Lumbar stenosis can result in compressed nerve roots or pressure on the spinal cord, resulting in back pain, sciatica, and other possible symptoms such as incontinence.

4. Herniated Lumbar Discs

Spinal discs have a tough fibrous exterior that contains a soft, jelly-like substance. The softer interior can protrude when a crack occurs in the outer disc. This is called a herniated, slipped or ruptured disc, which occurs in the lumbar spine more frequently than in discs in the thoracic or cervical areas. Lumbar herniated discs can irritate surrounding nerve roots, resulting in low back pain and radiating pain into the buttocks and legs.

5. Lumbar Spinal Fractures

The lumbar spine can be susceptible to fractures of the vertebrae. The most common type of fracture is a compression fracture, which involves the front of the vertebra collapsing. This damage can occur due to wear and tear over many years and loss of bone integrity, usually affecting the top vertebrae in the lumbar spine. Other vertebrae fractures that can cause pain in the lower back include burst fractures, flexion-distraction and fracture-dislocation. These usually occur due to back trauma, such as vehicle accidents. Lumbar spondylolysis is another type of spinal fracture that affects the pars interarticularis, a thin bone that connects vertebrae. Stress fractures in these thin bones are common in the lumbar region, resulting in localized back pain.

6. Lumbar Spinal Instability

If a vertebra slips out of place, it can make the spine unstable. This occurs when the vertebra lacks support, which can happen when there is degenerative disc disease or other issues that affect the facet joints or discs. When a vertebra slips and rests on the vertebra below it, it is a condition called spondylolisthesis, which occurs more frequently in the lumbar spine than in other areas. Symptoms can include localized back pain, radiating pain, or weakness in the buttocks and legs.

7. Lumbar Back Spasms

One of the most common causes of low back pain is not in the spine but in the surrounding muscles. Spasms in the lower back can cause excruciating pain and limit mobility. Lumbar muscle spasms can be caused by injury but may also be initiated by irritation from a lumbar spine condition. Stenosis, arthritis, damaged discs and other lumbar spine conditions can cause muscle spasms, amongst other symptoms.

Relief for Low Back Pain in LA

When you have lower back pain, it can be caused by a wide variety of spine diseases and injuries. You need an accurate diagnosis to determine the cause and best treatment options for relief. If you live in the Los Angeles area, come visit our spine specialists at DOCS Health to get to the bottom of what is causing your back pain. Call our medical center to schedule your appointment.