Back pain is one of the most frequent reasons people seek medical care, and one of the most disruptive. Whether it comes on suddenly or worsens over time, back pain can interfere with work, sleep, mobility, and quality of life.
Understanding what’s behind your pain is the first step to treating it effectively. Below, the pain management physicians at Center for Pain Management reveal 8 common causes of back pain, and the treatments that can help you return to the life you enjoy!
Top 8 Common Causes of Back Pain (and How to Treat Them)
- Muscle Strain or Sprain
- Herniated or Bulging Disc
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Scoliosis or Spinal Curvature Disorders
- Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
1. Muscle Strain or Sprain
Cause: Overuse, improper lifting, sudden movements, or repetitive stress.
Symptoms: Localized pain, tightness, muscle spasms, and limited flexibility.
Spine Pain Treatments:
- Rest and gradual return to movement
- Ice or heat therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles
2. Herniated or Bulging Disc
Cause: When the soft tissue inside a spinal disc pushes out and presses on nearby nerves.
Symptoms: Radiating pain in the back, buttocks, or legs; numbness or tingling.
Pain Management Treatments:
- Physical therapy and core stabilization exercises
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
- Surgery in more severe or unresponsive cases
3. Degenerative Disc Disease
Cause: Wear and tear on spinal discs due to aging or repetitive strain.
Symptoms: Chronic pain that may worsen with sitting, bending, or lifting.
Treatment Options:
- Pain management with non-opioid medications
- Targeted physical therapy
- Minimally invasive spine procedures
- Spine pain treatment such as radiofrequency ablation
4. Spinal Stenosis
Cause: Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves.
Symptoms: Pain, numbness, or cramping in the back or legs, often while walking.
Treatment Options:
- Pain-relieving injections
- Supervised exercise and physical therapy
- Activity modification and assistive devices
- Surgical decompression if conservative care fails
5. Osteoarthritis
Cause: Breakdown of cartilage in the spine’s facet joints.
Symptoms: Aching pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Spine Pain Treatments:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Joint injections for localized relief
- Physical therapy and posture correction
- Chronic pain management strategies for long-term care
6. Scoliosis or Spinal Curvature Disorders
Cause: Abnormal curvature of the spine, either congenital or developed with age.
Symptoms: Uneven shoulders or hips, persistent back pain, visible spine curve.
Pain Management Treatments:
- Bracing for younger patients
- Physical therapy to build strength and alignment
- Pain management with targeted injections
- Surgical intervention for advanced cases
7. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
Cause: Inflammation or misalignment of the joint where the spine meets the pelvis.
Symptoms: Low back pain, often radiating into the hips or thighs; worsens with prolonged standing.
Treatment Options:
- Chiropractic care or manual therapy
- SI joint injections
- Guided physical therapy for pelvic stability
- Pain management treatment with radiofrequency ablation
8. Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
Cause: Ongoing or recurring pain following spinal surgery that didn’t resolve the original problem fully or created new complications.
Symptoms: Persistent or worsening back and/or leg pain after surgery, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain that limits mobility or daily activity.
Spine Pain Treatments:
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Physical therapy
- Pain-relieving medications
- Nerve blocks
- Psychological support to improve function & quality of life
Find Personalized Spine Pain Treatments at Center for Pain Management
If you’re struggling with acute or chronic back pain, expert care is closer than you think. At Center for Pain Management, our team of pain management physicians develops customized treatment plans designed to reduce pain, restore function, and help you move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re dealing with a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, or lingering pain after an injury, we’ll help you find a solution that works for your life. To explore advanced treatments like spinal cord stimulation, contact one of our Minnesota locations today.