A number of issues can cause pain in the back, from the shoulder blades all the way down to the legs. Symptoms may include—but are not limited to—aches, stabbing or shooting pain, restricted mobility, inability to stand up straight and pain that moves down one or both legs.
Coccydynia
– The coccyx is the bony area between the buttocks, also called the tailbone. Inflammation of this area results in pain and tenderness that may be treated with steroid injections or nerve blocks.
Vertebral Body Fractures
Spinal Canal Stenosis –
When the spinal canal or nerve-root canals narrow, the resulting compression may cause lower back pain, cramps and/or weakness and pain that radiates down the hips and legs. Degeneration of the spine, leading to stenosis, is a natural part of aging and does not always result in pain or the need for pain management.
Scoliosis –
Most often, the cause of scoliosis seems to be genetic. Mostly during a growth spurt like in childhood and adolescence, the spine curves “S” shaped. Scoliosis can be frequently a mild condition, however some children can develop spinal deformities that can become disabling. Patient with scoliosis tend to have more chronic back pain with age due to incressed stress on the bones and joints of the spine.
Extruded Discs –
When discs extrude, bugle or herniate, the gel-like material in the discs protrude into the spinal column. Discs cushion the vertebrae, but with age, they can shrink, weaken and become brittle; therefore, they may bulge or tear under pressure. Tears allow the material from the nucleus of the disc to extrude into the spinal cord or nerve roots. Depending on the location and severity of the extrusion, pain and discomfort vary. For example, compressed nerves in the cervical (upper) spine may cause pain in the shoulders, arms or hands.
Sciatica —
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through hips and buttocks, down the legs, which is where pain typically occurs. Sciatica is typically a symptom of injury to the nerve like a prolapsed disc pinching the nerve or narrowing of the bony nerve outlet by arthritis (foraminal stenosis).