Low Back Pain
(Part 2)
We started our discussion of LOW BACK PAIN last week. The sub-topics tackled included the following: Anatomy,
Description, and its Causes. We now continue with the discussion of the causes of low back pain:
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Changes from aging and general wear and tear make it hard for your joints and ligaments to keep your spine in the proper position. The vertebrae can move more than they should, and one vertebra can slide forward on top of another. If too much slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on the spinal nerves
.Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the space around the spinal cord narrows and puts pressure on the cord and spinal nerves.
When intervertebral disks collapse and osteoarthritis develops, your body may respond by growing new bone (arthritis) in your facet joints to help support the vertebrae. Over time, this bone overgrowth (called spurs) can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal. Osteoarthritis can also cause the ligaments that connect vertebrae to thicken, which can narrow the spinal canal.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine that may develop in children, most often during their teenage years. It also may develop in older patients who have arthritis. This spinal deformity may cause back pain and possibly pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs if pressure on the nerves is involved.
Compression Fracture
Vertebral compression fractures are a common cause of back pain in the elderly. As we get older, our bones become weaker and more likely to break, a condition called osteoporosis. In people with osteoporosis, minor trauma such as sitting forcefully on a hard chair or toilet, or a ground-level fall can cause bones in the spine to break, resulting in a compression fracture. This may be a source of back pain.
Additional Causes
There are other causes of back pain, some of which can be serious. If you have vascular or arterial disease, a history of cancer, or pain that is always present regardless of your
activity level or position, you should talk to your primary care doctor. (To be continued)