An irritation or problem with any of these structures can cause lower back pain and/or pain that radiates or is referred to other parts of the body. Many lower back problems also cause back muscle spasms, which don't sound like much but can cause severe pain and disability.
Back pain can be caused by an assortment of problems with any parts of the complex, interconnected network of spinal muscles, nerves, bones, discs or tendons in the lumbar spine. Classic sources of lower back pain include:
- The large nerve roots in the lower back that go to the legs may feel irritated
- The smaller nerves in the lower back may be irritated
- The large paired lower back muscles known as erector spinae may be strained
- The bones, ligaments, or joints could be damaged
- An intervertebral disc may be degenerating
To read more about lower back pain, click here.
This is the doctor you want!
If you feel as though your pain might require surgery, Dr. Mathew Cyriac is an orthopaedic surgeon with specialized training in spine surgery.
