Causes of Back Pain

Soft tissue injury - injury to the soft tissues - the muscle, tendons, and ligaments - commonly referred to as a sprain/strain type injury. Although typically not as serious as other back injuries, this can cause significant pain and may take considerable time to heal.

Degenerative disc disease - a decrease in the thickness of the disc secondary to "wear and tear". It is more common as we get older.

Disc bulge - when the outer fibers of the disc weaken allowing the disc to extend past its natural boundaries.

Disc herniation - when there is a break (tear) in the outer fibers of the disc which allows the soft gelatinous material to extend through this outer barrier. A disc bulge/herniation and/or arthritis can limit the amount of space that the spinal cord and the nerve roots occupy. Any inflammation in this area can further crowd the nerve tissue causing nerve irritation and pain. Continued compression of the nerve can result in nerve damage if not relieved.

Arthritis - inflammation (swelling) of a joint. The joint between two vertebrae facet joints, like other joints in the body, can develop arthritis which is painful and may limit the movement of the spine or cause instability. Arthritis can also develop around the area of the disc leading to similar problems.

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