Lower back
The lower back forms the lower part of the spine and is an important part for mobility and support in the body. Common problems in the lower back include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and SRS. Symptoms may include both back pain and nerve pain radiating to one or both legs.
Herniated Disc
Herniated discs often occur without any specific incident, but sometimes they can result from lifting, twisting the back, or an accident. Not all herniated discs cause pain. You can have a herniated disc without ever experiencing pain in either your back or leg. Often, symptoms appear gradually with just ache in the lower back, but they can also come on suddenly during an activity. The pain may then worsen and after a few days be followed by pain radiating down the leg. Often, the leg pain worsens when sitting down but also from pressure on the abdomen, for example during coughing or using the toilet.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis means that the space for the nerves in the spinal canal has become smaller than normal. The cause is age-related changes in the discs, joints, and ligaments surrounding the canal where the nerves are located. Typical symptoms of spinal stenosis are pains in one or both legs which make it difficult to walk long distances. The pain often subsides after a while if you sit down and rest. Other symptoms can include numbness in the legs, reduced strength in the legs, and back pain.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis refers to a condition where one vertebra in the lower back slides forward in relation to the vertebra below it. The most common symptoms are lower back pain and pain radiating into the buttocks and back of the thighs. With larger slips, nerves can become pinched, which can lead to numbness, reduced sensation, and weakness in the legs. Spondylolisthesis involves one vertebra in the lower back sliding forward in relation to the vertebra below it.
Segmental Motion Pain (SMP)
SMP can be caused by many things. It can be a trauma to the back in an accident, for example, and/or a congenital hypermobility in the joints. A common symptom is a chronic dull ache that radiates towards the flanks, buttocks, and back of the legs. The pain usually subsides within a few weeks, but sometimes it can develop into a chronic condition. It is difficult to know exactly where the pain is coming from, but it is usually from the disc or joints between the vertebrae in the back.