Several different back and spine conditions are commonly experienced, often resulting in significant pain throughout various areas along the back. Some of the most common types of back or spine conditions include:

Herniated discs: typically affecting the lower back and caused by the cushioning between the vertebrae shifting and bursting.

Muscle strain: can occur in any of the muscles surrounding the spine due to overuse, stress, as well as bad posture.

Scoliosis: the abnormal curving or bending of the spine.

Osteoporosis: a spinal condition that predominantly affects older adults caused by a decrease in bone mass leading to weakened bones.

Sciatica: pain due to damage to the sciatic nerve.

Osteoarthritis: inflammation and pain caused by the deterioration of the joints and cartilage in the spine.

The most common symptoms of chronic back pain and spine conditions include pain, with the severity and location of the pain varying depending on the spine or back condition from which the patient is suffering. In many cases, the pain will fluctuate, coming and going in random intervals or when increased stress has been placed on the body part. Potential causes of stress on the back and spine that lead to flare-ups or increased pain include repeated bending, twisting, or lifting, and long periods of sitting or standing. Some spine and back conditions will cause worse pain first thing in the morning after awakening and can lessen with low-impact activity. The pain can often be described as radiating from the back down into the buttocks, hips, and legs if the pain is due to muscle or nerve pain.

Back pain can develop quickly due to several spine conditions or injuries, with osteoporosis and arthritis being common causes of back pain and spine conditions in the aging population. Other common causes of back pain include strains of any surrounding muscles or ligaments (often as a result of heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement, leading to painful muscle spasms. In some cases, the back pain can be a result of nerve pain caused by a bulging or ruptured disk, which is the soft material between the bones within the spine that can rupture or bulge, putting increased pressure on a nearby nerve.

Several factors can increase the risk of an individual developing chronic back pain or spine conditions, including aging, being overweight or obese, lacking muscle strength in the back and abdomen, being a smoker, suffering from anxiety, depression, or chronic stress, and using improper methods to lift heavy objects. Some types of arthritis and cancer have been associated with increasing the risk of suffering from chronic back pain or developing a spine condition.

The first types of doctors who are likely to see chronic back pain or spine conditions include emergency physicians and general practitioners. If the diagnosis is not straightforward or requires more intensive care, the patient will likely be recommended to visit a specialist, such as an orthopedist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, sports medicine specialist, and sometimes rheumatologist in cases of arthritis. The exact specialist that is recommended will depend on the cause of the back pain. At Specialty Medical Center, our medical team consists of several different specialties, ensuring that all of our patients have a trusted physician by their side to manage their pain and provide personalized treatment plans. We serve patients from Sterling Heights MI, Dearborn MI, Detroit MI, Birmingham MI, Allen Park MI, Warren MI, and BEYOND!