Common Lower Back Pain Causes in Younger Adults

7/29/2019 Common Lower Back Pain Causes in Younger Adults

1/6

Common Lower Back Pain Causes in Younger Adults

Symptoms: Severe or aching pain in the lower back after activity, sudden movement or

lifting a heavy object.

These lower back pain symptoms include any combination of the following:

Difficulty moving that can be severe enough to prevent walking or standing

Pain that does not radiate down leg or pain that also moves around to the groin, buttock or upperthigh, but rarely travels below the knee;

Pain that tends to be achy and dull

Muscle spasms, which can be severe

Local soreness upon touch

Possible causes: Back Muscle Strain

A back muscle strain or ligament strain is one of the most common causes of acute lower back pain.Lifting a heavy object, twisting, or a sudden movement can cause muscles or ligaments stretch or

develop microscopic tears.

With a lower back strain, the severity of the pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe, disabling pain,depending on the extent of strain and the lower back muscle spasms that result from the injury. Backstrains often heal on their own with the help of some combination or rest, ice and/or heat application, anti-inflammatory medications, and/or gradual and gentle stretching and lower back exercises.

Symptoms: Low back pain that travels to the buttock, leg and foot (sciatica)

Sciatica includes any combination of the following symptoms:

Pain typically is ongoing (as opposed to flaring up for a few days or weeks and then subsiding)

Pain may be worse in the leg and foot than in the lower back

Typically felt on one side the buttock or leg only

Pain that is usually worse after long periods of standing still or sitting: relieved somewhat whenwalking

More severe (burning, tingling) vs. dull, aching pain

May be accompanied by weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot

Frequent cause: Lumbar herniated discSciatica describes the symptoms caused when a nerve root in the lower spine is compressed, causingpain and numbness to travel along the largesciatic nervethat serves the buttocks, legs and feet. Inyounger adults, sciatica can be caused by a wide range of conditions, most commonly a lumbar herniated

disc (may also be causes by degenerative disc disease, isthmic spondylolisthesis, and other conditions). Read more aboutSciaticaandLumbar Herniated Disc.

Symptoms: Chronic lower back pain worsened by certain positions and movements.

Symptoms may include any combination of the following:

Low-level of constant lower back pain punctuated by episodes of severe pain/muscle spasms lastinga few days to a few months
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/lumbar-herniated-dischttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/lumbar-herniated-dischttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/lumbar-herniated-dischttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/lumbar-herniated-dischttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciatica


2/6

Chronic pain can range from nagging to severe

Back pain worsened by sitting

Walking, even running, may feel better than sitting/standing

Changing positions frequently relieves pain

Frequent cause: Degenerative disc diseaseLumbar degenerative disc disease can affect patients as young as 20. When the lumbar discs betweenthe vertebrae begin to break down, the damaged disc can cause both inflammation and slight instability inthe lower back, bringing about pain, muscle spasms, and sometimes sciatica. Degenerative disc diseaseis common and is often successfully treated.

Symptoms: Deep ache in the lower back that worsens when standing or walking

Symptoms may include any combination of the following:

Pain that radiates into the buttocks and back of the thighs (also called sciatica or radicular pain)

Pain that worsens when bending backwards

Pain that feels better with sitting, especially sitting in a reclining position

Tired feeling in the legs, and possibly leg numbness or tingling, especially after walking

Tight hamstrings, making it difficult to touch toes

Possible cause: Isthmic spondylolisthesis

Isthmic spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra in the low back slips forward on the disc space below it.It is most common at the l5-s1 level and can cause low back pain from instability and nerve root pain dueto compression of the nerve root. The fracture occurs in childhood, but normally does not create a lot ofpain until a patient is in young adulthood.

Low Back Pain in Older AdultsWhile older adults can experience pain related to any of the conditions that also affect younger adults,individuals over age 60 are more likely to suffer from pain related to degeneration of the joints in thespine. Two of the most common causes of lower back pain in older adults include osteoarthritis andspinal stenosis.

Symptoms: Lower back pain and stiffness that is the most pronouncedin the morning and in the evening.Includes any combination of the below symptoms:

Pain that interrupts sleep

Pain that is most pronounced first thing in the morning and again toward the end of the day

Localized tenderness when the affected area of the spine is pressed

Aching, steady or intermittent pain in the lower back that is aggravated by extended activity

Stiffness or loss of flexibility in the back (for example, unable to bend comfortably at the waist)

Possible cause: Facet joint osteoarthritis

Facet joint osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis of the spine, is a degenerativecondition that develops gradually over time. The pain is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spinal-stenosis/what-spinal-stenosishttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spinal-stenosis/what-spinal-stenosishttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spinal-stenosis/what-spinal-stenosis


3/6

between the facet joints in the spine. At first the symptoms may only be intermittent, but can later developinto steadier pain in the lower back, and may eventually cause sciatica in addition to lower back pain.

Symptom: Leg pain that occurs primarily when walking and standinguprightIncludes any combination of the following:

Unable to walk far without developing leg pain

Lower back pain relief is achieved quickly after sitting down

Symptoms fluctuate between severe and mild/none

Symptoms develop gradually over time

Weakness, numbness and tingling that radiates from the low back into the buttocks and legs (sciatica)Likely causes: Lumbar spinal stenosis or degenerative spondylolisthesis

Both spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis can place pressure on the nerves at the pointwhere they exit the spine. Standing upright, such as in normal walking, increases pressure on the nerveand results in leg pain.

Lower Back Pain Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Lower Back Pain Symptoms and Causes

Low Back Pain in Older Adults

Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

Lower Back Pain Treatment

Causes of Lower Back Pain Video

Symptoms: Sudden onset of back pain, limited flexibility, height lossIncludes any of the following:

Sudden onset of back pain

Standing or walking will usually make the pain worse

Lying on one's back makes the pain less intense

Height loss

Limited spinal flexibility

Deformity and disability

Possible cause: Compression fracture (e.g. from osteoporosis)

As a general rule, the possibility of compression fracture should be considered after any sudden onset ofback pain in adults over age 50, especially in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis and in men orwomen after long-term corticosteroid use. In a person with osteoporosis, even a small amount of force puton the spine, as from a sneeze, may cause a compression fracture.

Less Common Causes of Lower Back PainWhile less common than the above listed conditions, a number of other conditions can cause low backpain as well, including but not limited to:

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Piriformis syndrome

Infection

Spinal tumor

Fibromyalgia
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatmenthttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatmenthttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms-and-causeshttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms-and-causeshttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/diagnosing-lower-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/diagnosing-lower-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-treatmenthttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-treatmenthttp://www.spine-health.com/video/causes-lower-back-pain-videohttp://www.spine-health.com/video/causes-lower-back-pain-videohttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction-si-joint-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction-si-joint-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-piriformis-syndromehttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-piriformis-syndromehttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/back-pain/osteomyelitis-a-spinal-infectionhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/back-pain/osteomyelitis-a-spinal-infectionhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spinal-tumorhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spinal-tumorhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/fibromyalgiahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/fibromyalgiahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/fibromyalgiahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spinal-tumorhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/back-pain/osteomyelitis-a-spinal-infectionhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-piriformis-syndromehttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction-si-joint-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/video/causes-lower-back-pain-videohttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-treatmenthttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/diagnosing-lower-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms-and-causeshttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatmenthttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciatica


4/6

Ankylosing spondylitis

Coccydynia

Finally, it is important to note that ones attitude and situation also have an effect on pain levels andduration. For example, people who are depressed, under stress, or have a compensable back injury aremore likely to have their pain become chronic. Patients who are stress free and have little complicatingpsychological factors are more likely to improve with appropriate treatment for their conditions.

Diagnosing Lower Back PainThe causes of low back pain can be very complex, and there are many structures in the spine that cancause pain. To discover the causes of lower back pain and develop a treatment plan, doctors will askpatients to describe the location, severity and type of pain, in addition to the history of the pain: when thepatient started to feel it, and any activities that might be associated with the pain.

Any of the following parts ofspinal anatomyare typical sources of low back pain:

The large nerve roots in the low back that go to the legs may be irritated

The smaller nerves that supply the low back may be irritated

The large paired lower back muscles (erector spinae) may be strained

The bones, ligaments or joints may be damaged

The intervertebral disc may be degenerating

It is important to note that many types of low back pain actually have no known anatomical cause, but thisdoesn't mean that the pain doesn't exist. Even with no identifiable cause of pain, the patient's pain is stillreal and should be treated.

Lower Back Pain ClassificationsA diagnosis will typically classify the patients condition as one of three types of pain. Patients canexperience one type, and based on the progression of their condition, may experience another.

Axial low back pain, the most common type of back pain, is confined to the lower back only and doesnot travel into the buttocks or legs. The pain can be sharp or dull, and can be severe enough to limiteveryday activities, such as standing and walking. It usually worsens with certain activities (such assports) or physical positions (such as sitting for long periods) and is relieved by rest. Most low axialback pain is acute meaning it is short-lived and heals within six to 12 weeks but can last longer andbecome chronic.

Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) is the second most common type of pain caused by a lower backproblem. Caused by conditions that compress the nerve roots of the sciatic nerve, the pain is moresevere in the leg than in the back. Symptoms are pain, numbness and/or weakness that is felt in thelower back (if at all) and on only on one side of the lower body, affecting the buttock, leg, foot, or theentire length of the leg.

Low back pain with referred pain is pain in the lower back that also radiates to the groin, buttock andupper thigh, but rarely below the knee. Patients describe the pain as dull and achy with varying

intensities. Low back pain with referred pain is similar to axial pain and is managed with similartreatments.

Acute Pain vs. Chronic PainIn addition to identifying pain based on location, symptoms of lower back pain are typically classified asacute or chronic.

Acute lower back pain is short term, generally lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Some acutepain syndromes can become more serious if left untreated.
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/arthritis/ankylosing-spondylitishttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/arthritis/ankylosing-spondylitishttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/coccydynia-tailbone-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/coccydynia-tailbone-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spine-anatomy/spinal-anatomy-and-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spine-anatomy/spinal-anatomy-and-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spine-anatomy/spinal-anatomy-and-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spine-anatomy/spinal-anatomy-and-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/coccydynia-tailbone-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/conditions/arthritis/ankylosing-spondylitis


5/6

Chronic lower back pain is generally defined as pain that persists for more than three months. Thepain may be progressive, or may occasionally intensify for a period of days or weeks and then return toa lower level of pain. With chronic pain, the exact cause of the pain can sometimes be difficult todetermine.

Additional Diagnostic Tests for Lower Back PainWhen pain is severe and is not relieved within 6 to 12 weeks, a specific diagnosis becomes more

important to determine further treatment. Additional diagnostic tools include:

X-ray. Provides information on the bones in the spine; used to test for spinal instability, tumors andfractures.

CT scan. Captures cross-section images of the vertebrae and spinal discs; can be used to check forherniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Myelogram. Allows identification of problems within the spine, spinal cord and nerve roots. An injectionof contrast dye illuminates the spine prior to an x-ray or CT scan.

MRI scan. Displays detailed cross-section of the components of the spine. Useful to assess issueswith lumbar discs and nerve roots, as well as ruling out causes of lower back pain like spinal infectionsor tumors.

Read more withDiagnostic Studies for Back Pain.

Typically the spine specialist will have a good idea of the cause of the patients pain from the patientssymptoms and physical exam, and will use the above diagnostic tests to confirm and clarify the diagnosisand/or to rule out other possible causes of the patients symptoms.

Lower Back Pain Treatment

Treatment for lower back pain depends upon the patient's history and the type and severity of pain. Thevast majority of lower back pain cases get better within six weeks without surgery, and lower back painexercises are almost always part of a treatment plan.

If pain persists or worsens, more involved diagnostic and surgical procedures may be recommended.

Rest. Ceasing activity for a few days allows injured tissue and even nerve roots to begin to heal, whichin turn will help relieve lower back pain. However, more than a few days of rest can lead to aweakening of the muscles, and weak muscles have to struggle to adequately support the spine.Patients who do not regularly exercise to build strength and flexibility are more likely to experiencerecurrent or prolonged lower back pain.

Heat and Ice Packs help relieve most types of low back pain by reducing inflammation. Often patientsuse ice, but some prefer heat. Both may be used alternately.

Medications. A wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications is available to helpreduce symptoms of lower back pain. Many medications reduce inflammation, which is often a causeof pain, while others work to inhibit the transmission of pain signals from reaching the brain. Eachmedication has multiple unique risks, possible side effects and drug (or food or supplement)interactions, which need to be evaluated by a physician.

ReadMedications for Back Pain and Neck Pain

Exercise for Lower Back Pain. Exercise is a key element of almost any lower back pain treatmentplan. Whether completed at home, or with a spine health professional, such as a physical therapist,chiropractor, or physiatrist, a plan will typically include three components: aerobic conditioning,stretching, and strengthening. The exercises are best done through a controlled, progressive program,with the goal of building toward a stronger, more flexible spine.

Read more about specific exercises:

Exercise and Back Pain

Sciatica Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief
http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/diagnostic-tests/introduction-diagnostic-studies-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/diagnostic-tests/introduction-diagnostic-studies-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/diagnostic-tests/introduction-diagnostic-studies-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-medication/medications-back-pain-and-neck-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-medication/medications-back-pain-and-neck-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-medication/medications-back-pain-and-neck-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/exercise-and-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/exercise-and-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/sciatica-exercises-sciatica-pain-reliefhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/sciatica-exercises-sciatica-pain-reliefhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/sciatica-exercises-sciatica-pain-reliefhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/exercise-and-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-medication/medications-back-pain-and-neck-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/diagnostic-tests/introduction-diagnostic-studies-back-pain


6/6

Low Impact Aerobic Exercise. In addition to exercises specific to the lower back, any low impactaerobic exercise, such as walking, is often an ideal exercise for the lower back because it helps bringoxygen to the soft tissues in the back to promote healing. Swimming or water exercise has the sameeffect and is an excellent option if walking is too painful.

ReadExercise Walking for Better Back HealthandWater Therapy Exercise Program

Chiropractic Adjustment (also called Chiropractic Manipulation) can help improve spinal function

by decreasing pain and inflammation to increase range of motion and physical function. ReadChiropractic Manipulation

Epidural Steroid Injections deliver steroids directly into the painful area of the lower back to reduceinflammation. The steroids do not heal the components of the back, but often provide enough painrelief to allow patients to move, exercise and heal.

ReadEpidural Steroid Injections for Lower Back Pain

Surgery for Lower Back Pain is usually considered after pain has not been relieved with nonsurgicalmethods. Still, surgery is always the patients decision, and a qualified spine surgeon will be able toexplain the pros and cons of each procedure. For sciatica, laminectomyandmicrodiscectomyhavebeen shown to significantly reduce pain symptoms by relieving the pressure on compressed nerveroots. Fusion surgery, which is used to stop the motion at a motion segment, is a bigger surgery butcan be effective at relieving pain due to a painful motion segment.

ReadWhen to See a Surgeon for Low Back PainandBack Surgery and Neck Surgery

OverviewThe above is not an exhaustive list of all possible treatments for lower back pain, but does include themost common treatments. It is advisable for patients to seek a diagnosis from their primary carephysician, chiropractor, or a spine specialist (such as a physiatrist) to determine the underlying cause oftheir lower back pain and seek appropriate treatment.
http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/exercise-walking-better-back-healthhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/exercise-walking-better-back-healthhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/exercise-walking-better-back-healthhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/water-therapy-exercise-programhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/water-therapy-exercise-programhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/water-therapy-exercise-programhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-manipulationhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-manipulationhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-manipulationhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/lumbar-epidural-steroid-injections-low-back-pain-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/lumbar-epidural-steroid-injections-low-back-pain-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/lumbar-epidural-steroid-injections-low-back-pain-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/lumbar-laminectomy-surgery-spinal-stenosis-open-decompressionhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/lumbar-laminectomy-surgery-spinal-stenosis-open-decompressionhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/lumbar-laminectomy-surgery-spinal-stenosis-open-decompressionhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/microdiscectomy-microdecompression-spine-surgeryhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/microdiscectomy-microdecompression-spine-surgeryhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/microdiscectomy-microdecompression-spine-surgeryhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spine-specialists/when-see-a-surgeon-low-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spine-specialists/when-see-a-surgeon-low-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spine-specialists/when-see-a-surgeon-low-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/back-surgery-and-neck-surgery-overviewhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/back-surgery-and-neck-surgery-overviewhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/back-surgery-and-neck-surgery-overviewhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/back-surgery-and-neck-surgery-overviewhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/back-surgery-and-neck-surgery-overviewhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/back-surgery-and-neck-surgery-overviewhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spine-specialists/when-see-a-surgeon-low-back-painhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/microdiscectomy-microdecompression-spine-surgeryhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/lumbar-laminectomy-surgery-spinal-stenosis-open-decompressionhttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/lumbar-epidural-steroid-injections-low-back-pain-and-sciaticahttp://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-manipulationhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/water-therapy-exercise-programhttp://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/exercise-walking-better-back-health

Documents

Common Lower Back Pain Causes in Younger Adults