Common Diagnoses for Back Pain

The following conditions all mean back pain. But which is causing yours?

Osteoarthritis
This is a degenerative joint disease, in which the cartilage surrounding the vertebrae gradually wears away. The main cause of osetoarthritis is the damage that comes with overuse. Other causes of osteoarthritis are obesity and the genetics of the patient's joints and cartilage.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis - loss of bone density - can weaken vertebrae, causing them to fracture or collapse. This can be a source of back pain, but doctors typically only operate on osteoporotic compression fractures that threaten the stability of your spine or cause pain that doesn't respond to other measures.

Herniated/Slipped Disc
Between your vertebrae are pads of cartilage called discs. Natural use or strain can cause a disc to bulge or rupture (herniate). When a disc weakens, parts of it can shift and put pressure on a nerve or even the spinal cord. It may result in pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.

Infections/Tumors

Although rare, an infection in your body may spread to your spine and produce an abscess or tumor that may require surgical treatment.

Sciatica

Shooting pain that starts in your back and travels into a leg is called sciatica. It's an irritation of the sciatic nerve that travels from your buttocks through your legs.

Spinal Stenosis

This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, sometimes caused by bone growth (a.k.a. bone spurs). When nerves or the spinal cord are pinched by these disruptions, the bone may need to be removed surgically.

Vertebral Compression Fracture

An injury to the spine may cause a bone fracture in any vertebrae. Surgery may be required if the spine is unstable or the spinal cord or nerves are compressed.

Need a Physician? Call our Doctor's Directory at 443.444.4100.

 Information Courtesy of Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

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