Common Causes of Low Back Pain
Bulging discs and Sciatica
Sciatica is pain along the large sciatic nerve that runs from the lower spine down the back of each leg and is one of the most common forms of low back pain and leg pain. This pain along the sciatic nerve can be caused when the nerve exiting the spinal column is pinched or irritated (commonly called a trapped nerve).The problem is often diagnosed as a slipped disc, meaning that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column. This puts pressure on the nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between 30 and 50 years of age. It may develop as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. Sciatica can also result from bulging discs which can occur as a result of heavy lifting, or poor lifting techniques.
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the pain from sciatica might be infrequent and irritating. Usually, sciatica only affects one side of the lower body, and the pain often radiates from the lower back down the back of the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also radiate to the foot or toes.
One or more of the following sensations may occur as a result of sciatica:
- Pain in the buttock or leg that is worse when sitting
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- A constant pain on one side of the bottom
- A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
- Low back pain may be present along with the leg pain, but usually the low back pain is less severe than the leg pain
Sprained/ strained ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Ligaments connect bone to bone and tendons connect muscle to bone. These soft tissues can become injured or bruised as a result of sports injuries or heavy lifting for example.
Osteoarthritis
Commonly known as wear and tear. This is a degenerative condition associated with the natural ageing process. The spines joints through natural wear and tear loose their protective shield (cartilage) and pain and stiffness can result.
Degenerative disc disease.
After the age of 20, a slow degeneration of the discs of the spine takes place. Normally, the disc acts as a shock absorber situated between two vertebral bodies. A healthy discs consists of a soft jelly like centre and is held together by a firm band of tissue. When degeneration takes place the disc dries up, shrinking in size, which can result in pain. In addition, as the disc height collapses, the exiting nerves from the spine can become compressed, leading to sciatica.
Contributing factors to back pain
- obesity
- weight gain during pregnancy
- stress
- poor physical condition
- posture inappropriate for the activity being performed
- poor sleeping position
All of the above can contribute to back pain. Additionally, scar tissue created when the injured back heals itself does not have the strength or flexibility of normal tissue. Build up of scar tissue from repeated injuries eventually weakens the back and can lead to more serious injury.
