Why Does My Back Hurt? Common Causes of Back Pain | Dr. Samuel Joseph
Why Does My Back Hurt? Understanding Common Causes of Back Pain
Why does your back hurt? In this patient education video, Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, Jr., founder of Joseph Spine Institute in Tampa Bay, Florida, explains common causes of back pain, symptoms to watch for, and when you may need to see a spine specialist.
Watch: Why Does My Back Hurt?
Watch Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, Jr., founder of Joseph Spine Institute, explain some of the most common causes of back pain, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, degenerative changes, and nerve compression. He also discusses when persistent back pain may warrant an
evaluation by a spine specialist.
In this video, Dr. Joseph explains some of the most common causes of back pain and why understanding the source of your symptoms is an important first step toward determining the appropriate treatment.
Why Does My Back Hurt?
Back pain can have many different causes, including muscle strain, herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, spinal stenosis, and nerve compression.
Not all back pain is caused by the spine, and the same symptoms can have different causes. A physician may consider your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging when determining what may be causing your pain.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can originate from different structures in and around the spine. Some of the most common causes include:
Muscle or Ligament Strain
Back pain can develop after lifting something heavy, exercising, doing yard work, or making an awkward movement. Muscle or ligament strain may improve with time and appropriate conservative treatment.
Herniated or Bulging Disc
The discs between the bones of the spine act as cushions. A disc can bulge or herniate and, in some cases, irritate or compress a nearby nerve. This may cause back pain as well as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels into the buttock or leg.
Degenerative Disc Disease
The spinal discs naturally change as we age. These changes, sometimes referred to as degenerative disc disease, can contribute to back pain and stiffness in some patients.
Spinal Arthritis
Arthritis and degenerative changes affecting the joints of the spine may cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when there is narrowing around the spinal canal or the spaces where spinal nerves travel. Some patients may experience back or leg pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly when standing or walking.
Nerve Compression and Sciatica
When a spinal nerve becomes irritated or compressed, symptoms may travel from the back into the buttock, hip, or leg. Patients often refer to these symptoms as sciatica.
Sciatica is a description of symptoms rather than a specific diagnosis. Depending on the cause, patients may experience shooting, burning, aching, or electrical-type pain, as well as numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Is All Back Pain Caused by a Spine Problem?
No. Not all back pain originates in the spine.
Back pain may also be related to muscles, joints, the hips, or other medical conditions. This is why identifying the potential source of pain requires more than simply looking at an X-ray or MRI.
A physician considers the complete clinical picture, including your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and imaging when appropriate.
Do I Need an MRI for Back Pain?
Not necessarily. An MRI provides detailed images of the discs, nerves, and other structures of the spine, but imaging is not
automatically necessary for every episode of back pain.
Your physician can determine whether an MRI or other diagnostic imaging is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.
It is also important to understand that an abnormal finding on an MRI does not necessarily mean it is the source of your pain. Imaging findings should be considered together with your symptoms and examination.
When Should I See a Spine Specialist?
Many episodes of back pain improve with conservative treatment and time. However, an evaluation by a spine specialist may be appropriate when back or neck pain is persistent, keeps returning, interferes with daily activities, or does not improve with conservative treatment.
You may want to discuss your symptoms with a spine specialist if you have:
- Persistent or recurring back pain
- Pain that interferes with work, exercise, sleep, or daily activities
- Pain that travels into an arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness
- Symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment
A spine specialist can evaluate your symptoms and help determine whether they may be related to a spinal condition and what treatment options may be appropriate.
Does Back Pain Mean I Need Spine Surgery?
No. Having back pain does not automatically mean that surgery is necessary.
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, exercise, medications when appropriate, injections, or other nonsurgical approaches.
If surgery is eventually considered, understanding your diagnosis and available treatment options can help you have a more informed conversation with your spine specialist.
The goal is to understand what is causing your symptoms and what treatment is appropriate for you.
When Is Back Pain an Emergency?
Certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. New or worsening significant weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs can be signs of a serious condition requiring urgent medical evaluation.
If you are experiencing an emergency, seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting for a routine spine appointment.
Understanding Your Back Pain Is the First Step
Back pain can be frustrating, especially when you do not understand what is causing it. Learning more about common causes and knowing what questions to ask can help you take the next step toward appropriate care.
Watch “Why Does My Back Hurt? Understanding Common Causes of Back Pain” with Dr. Samuel Joseph as part of the Joseph Spine Institute Patient Education Program.
Our goal is to provide patients and families with clear, accessible information that helps them better understand their spine, their treatment options, and the questions they should ask their healthcare provider.
Have a Question About Back Pain?
The Joseph Spine Institute Patient Education Program will continue to address common questions patients have about back pain, neck pain, spine conditions, treatment options, and spine surgery.
Have a question you’d like us to address in a future Patient Education video? Send us your question and it may become a topic in an upcoming video.
Explore the Joseph Spine Institute Patient Education Program
Learn more about our ongoing patient education series and watch additional educational videos designed to help patients better understand spine care.
