Are you experiencing lower back pain? Millions of people experience pain in the lumbar spine. How to deal with this pain will depend on the root cause. Problems in this part of the back can be caused by a variety of issues including damage to the nerve roots, muscular tears or disc degeneration. Below, we take a look at issues that can cause pain in the lumbar spine. We walk you through l1 and l2 spine problems as well as problems that affect other parts of the lumbar spine and possible ways to manage the pain.

Common Causes of Lumbar Spine Pain

• Muscle strains and weakness

Muscle strain is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Muscles in the lower back area may be overstretched or strained as a result of incorrect lifting, lifting heavy items or repetitive use such as in the case of bending constantly. The pain suffered as a result of muscle sprains can range from mild to severe. Sprains can also result in stiffness. This is a common cause for pain in the upper regions of the lumbar spine. In many instances L2 back pain is attributed to muscle strains.

It is also possible to begin to experience lower back pain due to weakness or deconditioning of muscles. This can occur as a result of a sedentary lifestyle.

• Disc degeneration

The intervertebral discs are fluid filled sacs that act as cushions between the bones of the spine. They absorb shock and allow for limited movement. Disc degeneration can result in the discs becoming dehydrated and losing their normal height. This in turn can result in nerves being compressed. Disc degeneration is a common cause for 5th lumbar vertebrae pain. Sciatica occurs as a result of the compression of the sciatic nerve between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. Patients experience shooting pain, weakness or numbness in the rear pelvis and down to the leg or foot.

• Disc herniation

Disc herniation, also referred to as a slipped disc, occurs when the contents of the intervertebral disc are forced through a worn part of the outer covering of the disc’s outer covering. The wearing out or the tearing of the disc’s outer covering can occur as a result of general wear and tear such as a result of repetitive motions or as a result of heavy lifting. The nucleus pulposus (the soft inner content of the disc) may leak into the spinal column. This can occur anywhere along the lumbar spine.

Herniation can also result in compression or inflammation of the nerve roots. This is a common cause of L5 L6 pain as well as L7 back pain.

• Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is an age related condition that results in the wearing of the cartilage that covers the facets. Bone spurs (abnormal growths of the bone) form on the facets due to excessive friction. The joints also become inflamed. Motion is limited and the patient suffers localized pain. Bone spurs may also compress nerves and cause sciatica or radicular pain. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the lower lumbar spine segments.

• Spondylolisthesis

This occurs when a vertebra slips forward over another below it. This often occurs in the lower lumbar region and can result in L7 vertebrae pain. It also affects the L4 – L5 region. The slipped vertebra may compress nerve roots resulting in sciatica.

• Spinal stenosis

This refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal or the intervertebral foramen (the openings through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal). The narrowing can result in compression of the nerve roots or irritation. This can result in sciatica.

Contact Dr. Chris Boone for Back Pain Treatment

If you’re experiencing lower back pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, Dr. Chris Boone M.D. Whether you’re expressing L6 vertebrae symptoms or have a chronic condition affecting your lumbar spine, we’ll help you discover the root cause of your pain and the best way to manage it. Get in touch with us now to schedule your appointment.