8 Common Back Pain Causes

At Comprehensive Spine and Pain, we understand how overwhelming it can be to live with chronic or acute pain. Whether you’re struggling with nerve damage, joint pain, or experiencing extensive back pain, our team of experienced back pain doctors is here to help.

We believe in a complete, patient-centered approach that includes advanced interventional pain management options tailored to your unique needs.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward relief, please call us today at 405-601-4227 to schedule a consultation.

What Conditions Can Be Treated at Comprehensive Spine and Pain?

At our pain management clinic, we treat a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions to help patients regain their mobility and improve their quality of life.

We also have experience handling low back pain, which is one of the most prevalent and debilitating conditions we encounter. Our pain management physicians use a comprehensive approach combining diagnostic evaluations, conservative therapies, and advanced interventional techniques to help manage your pain.

Whether your pain stems from an old injury, a degenerative condition, or nerve damage, our experienced pain management specialists take the time to tailor treatment plans to your specific needs. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and help you avoid unnecessary surgery or long-term dependence on medications.

Sprains & Strains

A sprain is an injury of the ligaments, a fibrous band that anchors bone to a joint. Back sprains involve stretched or torn ligaments where the ligament is stretched beyond its normal range, or torn. A strain, on the other hand, affects the muscles or tendons. They often happen due to sudden overexertion or repetitive motion. Symptoms can include pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, muscle spasms, cramping, and difficulty moving the affected area.

Sprain or Strain Causes:

• Improperly lifting heavy objects 
• Twisting injuries
• Falls or sports accidents
• Repetitive motion or overexertion

Arthritis & Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the joints, and it can significantly contribute to back pain if it affects the spine. This can cause stiffness, reduced mobility, and chronic discomfort that may interfere with daily life. Among the many types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common and frequently affects the spine, especially the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).

Causes of Arthritis:

• Aging and natural joint wear
• Previous joint injury
• Repetitive stress or overuse
• Genetic predisposition

Degenerative Disc Disease & Herniated Discs

Two common causes of back pain stem from issues with discs: degenerative disc disease and herniated discs. These conditions often overlap and can cause both localized discomfort and radiating nerve pain, affecting the lower back (lumbar spine), neck (cervical spine), and sometimes the mid-back (thoracic spine). Symptoms can include back or neck pain, numbness or tingling in the limbs, pain that worsens with movement, and muscle weakness.

Disc Condition Causes:

• Aging and disc dehydration
• Repetitive spinal strain
• Injury or trauma
• Genetics

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition that’s characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. Instead of running straight down the middle of the back, a spine with scoliosis curves to the side in an “S” or “C” shape. Symptoms can include uneven shoulders or waist, structural and muscle imbalances, a visible curve in the spine, and chronic pain in the back, neck, shoulder, or hip joints.

Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitis is inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac (SI) joints, located where the lower spine connects to the pelvis. These joints act as shock absorbers and help to transfer weight/force between your upper body and legs. When they become inflamed, they can cause lower back or buttock pain, pain that worsens with standing, walking, or climbing stairs, stiffness and limited motion, and you could also experience discomfort that radiates down the leg.

Causes of Sacroiliitis:

• Arthritis (including ankylosing spondylitis)
• Pregnancy
• Infection or injury
• Uneven leg lengths or abnormal gait

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through it. This narrowing most commonly occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine) and the neck (cervical spine), but it can affect any part of the spinal column. Symptoms can include numbness or tingling in limbs, weakness in the legs or arms, pain when walking or standing, and balance issues.

Spinal Stenosis Causes:

• Degenerative changes (e.g., osteoarthritis)
• Herniated discs
• Thickened ligaments

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra beneath it. This slippage can happen in any region of the spine but is most commonly found in the lower back (lumbar spine). The condition can lead to structural instability and nerve compression. Symptoms include lower back pain, pain radiating to the buttocks or thighs, muscle tightness or spasms, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.

Causes of Spondylolisthesis:

• Congenital spine abnormalities
• Stress fractures (often in athletes)
• Degeneration from aging
• Trauma or injury

Sciatica

Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It typically affects only one side of the body and can range from mild discomfort and electric shocks to sharp, stabbing pains or a deep ache. It’s usually triggered by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica Causes:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Muscle spasms or injury
• Pregnancy (temporary sciatica)

What’s the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain Treatment?

At our Oklahoma pain management clinic, we understand the importance of distinguishing between acute and chronic pain so that our pain management doctors can deliver the right care.

Acute pain is typically short-term and linked to a specific injury or procedure, and it often resolves with conservative treatments. Chronic pain, however, lasts longer than three months and might not have an obvious cause.

Start Your Journey to Relief Today

Pain doesn’t have to define your life. At Comprehensive Spine and Pain, we’re committed to delivering personalized, effective care through state-of-the-art interventional pain management and compassionate service.

Our Oklahoma-based pain management specialists work closely with each patient to identify the source of pain and create a treatment plan that promotes lasting relief, especially for those seeking treatment for lower back pain, neck pain, or joint pain.

Whether you’re a new patient or seeking a second opinion, our pain management clinic welcomes you.

Contact us today at 405-601-4227 to speak with our team and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free future.