Some medical conditions affect the spine and lead to back pain. We’ve listed some possible spine-related causes of back pain below.
Osteoarthritis of the spine
As we age, the spine’s joints, discs, and bones may degenerate (wear and tear) and become brittle. Also known as spondylosis, osteoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness and is more likely to affect women over 40.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a painful condition where the density of the bones in the back is lost over time and can result in vertebrae fractures.
Dr Neirami said: “There is a lot we can do at the pain clinic in Greenwich for patients with osteoporosis and compression fracture of the vertebrae. It is a very painful condition that can be helped easily in most patients. One quick and effective treatment is kyphoplasty (balloon vertebroplasty), which provides rapid relief and has excellent results in selected cases.”
Slipped disc
A common reason for seeing a pain consultant, orthopaedic, spinal surgeon or neurosurgeon at Circle Health Group is a slipped disc.
Also known as a prolapsed disc, a herniated disc or a bulging disc, a slipped disc can cause extreme pain. However, it can get better with rest, exercise, stretching and pain relief, so it’s worth trying self-help methods first.
Bulging disc
A disc is like a shock absorber and consists of a soft cushiony nucleus with a tough outer rim between the spine’s vertebrae. If it is compressed all around, part of the outer layer bulges out of the disc wall to cause pain, particularly if it hits a nerve route.
Prolapsed or herniated disc
A prolapsed disc happens when the outer layer of the disc ruptures and part of the soft inner bit protrudes. It can press on a nerve (sciatica) and inflame it, which is why anti-inflammatory painkillers can help. A herniated disc often occurs in the lower spine (lumbar), although it can be felt in the upper back.
Sciatica
A sharp, burning pain that shoots through your buttock and leg may indicate that you have sciatica. It’s caused by a disc pressing on the sciatic nerve because of a bulging or herniated disc. Many back pain treatments at The Blackheath Hospital are to do with sciatica, which is also called radiculopathy.
Dr Neirami said: “Even when a patient comes with sciatica, there is not always a surgical source for it because the pain can mimic other conditions. For example, the piriformis muscle can press on the sciatic nerve and cause piriformis syndrome that is very similar in presentation.”
Sacroiliac joint pain
If you’re feeling pain in your buttocks and lower back, it could be associated with sacroiliitis.
With sacroiliitis, the sacroiliac joints become inflamed. It can feel worse when you are climbing stairs. A specialist spinal consultant should diagnose it, as other diseases could cause it.
Scoliosis
Back pain in and around your spine due to irritation or pressure on the nerves can be caused by scoliosis. In scoliosis, the spine is abnormally curved sideways, often in the shape of an S or C.
Most people will not need surgery, but we can correct scoliosis surgically at The Blackheath Hospital if the pain is severe and steroids or local anaesthetic haven’t helped.
Spinal stenosis
Tingling, weakness, numbness or pain in the legs could be because of spinal stenosis, where narrowing of the spinal column (spinal cord) occurs most often due to wear and tear of the bones and tissues. The Blackheath Hospital has several treatments for spinal stenosis.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) slips out of place. It’s different from a slipped disc. It happens most often in the lower back, but other parts of the spine can also be affected.
Inflammatory spondylosis
In this degenerative condition, also known as ankylosing spondylitis, there is wear and tear in the joints of the spine, as well as the joints and discs. The pain is often worse in the morning but can improve as you move.
Cauda equina syndrome
A rare condition that causes pain in the lower back, sciatica, weakness in both legs, numb genitals, and difficulties controlling the bladder or bowel.
You must seek immediate emergency medical care for this syndrome because it can lead to permanent incontinence and paralysis.
Spinal injury
The Spinal Injuries Association says around 2,500 people annually sustain a spinal cord injury in the UK. Damage to your spine, whether a fracture or dislocation of the vertebrae, can cause tissue to swell and pressurise your spinal nerves and spinal cord. Osteoporosis can also cause broken and fractured bones.
A spinal cord injury requires urgent medical care.
Bone cancer
Like other areas of the body, the bones and bone marrow in the spine can be affected by cancer. A cancerous tumour in another part of the body can also spread to the spine and press against a spinal cord nerve to cause back pain, which can worsen, especially at night.