There are plenty of common causes that can bring on mild to severe back pain. Often times, a heating pad, a hot shower and some quality stretching can take care of the problem. However, if your back pain feels more severe, chances are there could be an underlying cause that may require a doctor visit. Below is a list of some of the most common causes for back pain:

Muscle Strain: The majority of acute back and neck pain are caused by a muscle ligament strain. A strain is any injury to the muscle or ligament that causes pain and inflammation. Muscle strains usually occur during strenuous events. However, a strain can also occur with your normal daily activities if your spinal muscles have gotten out of shape. Poor posture can make your muscles more likely to become strained as well. When the muscles in the back are strained or torn, the area around the muscles can become inflamed. With inflammation, the muscles in the back and neck can spasm and cause severe pain and difficulty moving.

Bulging or Herniated Disc: A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pushes through the outer wall. This herniation can result in a large bulge that can press against nearby roots causing serious back pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition is a weakening of one or more vertebral discs, which normally act as a cushion between the vertebrae. This condition can develop as a natural part of the aging process, but it may also result from injury to the back.

Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis occurs when one or more of the spinal nerve openings are narrowed. The spinal nerves can become compressed against the vertebral bone. This can interfere with nerve function. It can cause pain in the spine or in other parts of the body. Stenosis is commonly caused by an excess growth of bone around the spinal nerves. This excess bone growth often results from osteoarthritis. Stenosis can also result from a dislocation or a fracture of the vertebral bone or soft tissue intruding into the spine’s open spaces.

Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation: Inflammation in the sacroiliac (SI) joint can cause pain in the low back or buttocks. This is especially common in women, and often radiates into the leg, masquerading as sciatica. SI joint pain responds well to nonsteroidal medications and physical therapy. Occasionally, injections into the joint space are necessary to completely alleviate the pain and dysfunction.

For more information on back pain or other orthopaedic injuries, please visit our Non-Surgical Orthopaedics FAQ page. You will have the opportunity to download brochures and watch several videos regarding any pain management questions you may have.