Facet joints help stabilize the spine. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of facet joint syndrome caused by inflammation or detrition of the joint. Just like the joints in the knees and hands, the joints in the back can suffer from arthritis. Trauma to the joints can also lead to pain. Typically, patients will feel aches especially leaning backwards, walking, or standing. Many times the pain can be referred to the buttocks, abdomen, and thighs.
Irritated bands of muscle can result in aches, spasm, or tightness which can lead to pain over a remote area. This phenomenon is known as referred pain, caused by “trigger points” (irritated muscle bands) can often times can cause back pain. Piriformis muscle is commonly involved.
The discs in your back serve as the shock absorber for the spine. Over time, these discs can deteriorate, but repetitive trauma can also lead to pain. When this occurs, the gelatin-like substance in the center known as nucleus pulposus can leak into and irritate the outer part of the disc and nerves. Since this outer rim of the disc has nerve endings, it can sense pain. This pain may present itself as back pain. Patients will typically have trouble bending forward or have pain with rising from sitting.
The sacroiliac joint is formed where your pelvis meets your sacrum. The sacroiliac joint serves as a shock absorber for the spine. This joint can become inflamed and result in pain located in the back. The pain can also radiate to muscles in the thigh. Patients will typically have trouble sitting for long times.
Bones in the spine called vertebral bodies can become fractured. This fracture can be caused by trauma, tumors, or more commonly by osteoporosis. Patients may suffer from severe pain in the area of the fracture.
The symptoms of Fibromyalgia include chronic widespread pain, associated with debilitating fatigue, difficulty sleeping, difficulty with bowel function and a variety of mood problems including cognitive dysfunction, anxiety and depressive symptoms. There are no diagnostic tests to diagnose Fibromyalgia
Pain is in the coccyx “tailbone” and worse with sitting or walking. The initial injury is usually due to trauma.
The sacroiliac joint is formed where your pelvis meets your sacrum. The sacroiliac joint serves as a shock absorber for the spine. This joint can become inflamed and result in pain located in the back. The pain can also radiate to muscles in the thigh. Patients will typically have trouble sitting for long times.