Back Pain / Spinal Injuries

Lower back or spinal pain can have various symptoms and causes. Here are some typical symptoms associated with lower back or spinal pain:

1. ​Pain: The primary symptom is pain in the lower back or spine. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp or shooting pain. It may be localized to the lower back or radiate to other areas such as the hips, buttocks, or legs.
2. Stiffness: Lower back or spinal pain can cause stiffness, making it difficult to bend, twist, or move the back comfortably.
3. Limited range of motion: The pain and stiffness in the lower back can lead to a reduced range of motion. Activities like bending forward, backward, or sideways may be challenging or painful.
4. Muscle spasms: In response to injury or strain, the muscles in the lower back may go into spasms, causing sudden and intense pain.
5. Numbness or tingling: If a nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. This symptom is often associated with conditions like sciatica.
6. Weakness: Severe lower back pain or nerve compression can lead to weakness or difficulty in controlling muscles in the legs or feet.Changes in posture or gait: Lower back pain can cause changes in posture or walking patterns. People may adopt a hunched posture or favor one side while walking to minimize discomfort.

The causes of lower back or spinal pain can include:

1. Muscle strain or sprain: Overuse, poor body mechanics, or sudden movements can strain the muscles or ligaments in the lower back, resulting in pain.
2. Herniated disc: The gel-like material inside a spinal disc can protrude or herniate, pressing on nearby nerves and causing lower back pain. This condition is also known as a slipped, bulging or herniated/ prolapsed disc.
3. Degenerative disc disease: Over time, the spinal discs can degenerate, leading to reduced cushioning between the vertebrae and resulting in lower back pain.
4. Spinal stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing lower back pain, leg pain, and other symptoms.
5. Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg, can cause sharp, shooting pain, tingling, or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.
6. Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward or backward in relation to the adjacent vertebra, leading to lower back pain and potential nerve compression.
7. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis can affect the joints in the lower back, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
8. Spinal fractures or injuries: Traumatic events such as falls, accidents, or sports injuries can cause fractures or damage to the bones, discs, or ligaments in the lower back, resulting in severe pain.