Causes of back pain: A Synthesis of Findings from 12 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Causes of back pain
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Causes of back pain: A Synthesis of Findings from 12 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Causes of back pain: A Synthesis of Findings from 12 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Findings

Numerous studies have identified diverse causes of back pain. 9 analyzed 1,316 cases to pinpoint the causes of persistent back pain after a procedure known as percutaneous vertebroplasty, which is commonly used to treat vertebral compression fractures. surveyed nurses at the Sahid Gangalal National Heart Center to determine the prevalence and perceived causes of low back pain among nurses. 2 examined the characteristics, psychosocial factors, and healthcare utilization of different groups of patients with low back pain in primary care. These studies offer valuable insights into the complexity of back pain and can guide the development of effective treatments and preventative strategies.

Reasons for Causes

Back pain arises from a complex interplay of factors, including age, gender, profession, and lifestyle. For instance, young athletes may experience back pain due to excessive strain during sports or poor posture. Specific occupations, such as prolonged desk work or standing, can contribute to back pain due to maintaining the same posture for extended periods. As people age, the deterioration of tissues like intervertebral discs and bones increases the likelihood of back pain. These interconnected factors are thought to contribute to the development of back pain.

Common Causes

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus inside the intervertebral disc protrudes outward, compressing nerves and causing symptoms like back pain and leg numbness. 11

Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in a part of the bone in the lumbar vertebrae, leading to back pain and instability in the lower back. 10

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis happens when the spinal canal narrows, compressing nerves and causing back pain and leg numbness.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra slips forward on the vertebra below it, causing back pain and leg numbness. 10

Myofascial Back Pain

Myofascial back pain results from tension or stiffness in the muscles and fascia of the lower back, leading to back pain and tightness. 4

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where bone density decreases, making bones more prone to fractures and causing back pain. 9

Other Causes

Back pain can also stem from various other causes, including:

  • Infections
  • Tumors
  • Internal organ diseases
  • Mental stress

Countermeasures for Causes

Herniated Disc

Treatments for herniated disc include medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Mild cases may improve with medication and physical therapy. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Spondylolysis

Treatment options for spondylolysis include rest, corset therapy, and surgery. Mild cases can often be managed with rest and corset therapy. More severe cases may necessitate surgery. 10

Spinal Stenosis

Treatment for spinal stenosis includes medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Mild cases can often be improved with medication and physical therapy. Severe cases may require surgery.

Spondylolisthesis

Treatment options for spondylolisthesis include corset therapy and surgery. Mild cases can often be managed with corset therapy. More severe cases may necessitate surgery. 10

Myofascial Back Pain

Treatment for myofascial back pain includes stretching, massage, and exercise therapy. 4

Osteoporosis

Treatment for osteoporosis includes calcium and vitamin D intake and exercise therapy. 9

Comparison among Studies

Common Points

Numerous studies have shown that back pain can stem from a wide range of factors. Furthermore, the symptoms and causes of back pain vary from person to person. 2

Differences

Variations in study subjects and methods can lead to differences in research findings. For example, focused on nurses, while other studies have surveyed the general population.

Notes on Applying to Real Life

Given the diverse causes of back pain, self-treatment is not recommended. If you experience persistent back pain, seeking medical attention is crucial. 8

Limitations of Current Research

There are still many unanswered questions about the causes and treatments for back pain. The impact of mental stress on back pain, in particular, requires further investigation.

Future Research Directions

Developing effective preventative measures and treatments for back pain requires continued research. In particular, research focusing on personalized treatment approaches and methods for reducing mental stress is highly important. 6 5 3

Conclusion

Back pain can arise from various sources, and pinpointing the cause is essential for effective treatment and prevention. If you experience persistent back pain, don't rely on self-treatment; consult a healthcare professional.

Literature analysis of 12 papers
Positive Content
10
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
1
Article Type
6
0
1
1
12
1.

Back pain's association with vertebral end-plate signal changes in sciatica.

Author: el BarzouhiAbdelilah, Vleggeert-LankampCarmen L A M, van der KallenBas F, Lycklama à NijeholtGeert J, van den HoutWilbert B, KoesBart W, PeulWilco C,

Back pain relief
VESC development

In a randomized clinical trial comparing early surgery with prolonged conservative care for sciatica, undergoing surgery was associated with an increase in vertebral end-plate signal changes (VESC) after one year. However, the presence of VESC was not found to be a significant predictor of disabling back pain. This suggests that VESC may not be a primary cause of disabling back pain in patients with sciatica.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Low back pain patient subgroups in primary care: pain characteristics, psychosocial determinants, and health care utilization.

Author: HirschOliver, StrauchKonstantin, HeldHeiko, RedaelliMarcus, ChenotJean-François, LeonhardtCorinna, KellerStefan, BaumErika, PfingstenMichael, HildebrandtJan, BaslerHeinz-Dieter, KochenMichael M, Donner-BanzhoffNorbert, BeckerAnnette

LBP treatment

Low back pain (LBP) is a major health problem that leads to extended time off work, early retirement, and high healthcare costs. Treating all patients with LBP the same way isn't effective and can hinder recovery. Recent research highlights the need to tailor treatment based on specific characteristics of patients with LBP.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

The effect of three ergonomics training programs on the prevalence of low-back pain among workers of an Iranian automobile factory: a randomized clinical trial.

Author: AghilinejadM, Bahrami-AhmadiA, Kabir-MokamelkhahE, SarebanhaS, HosseiniH R, SadeghiZ

Reduced LBP prevalence

Ergonomics training workshops were more effective than lectures or pamphlets for reducing low back pain in automobile factory workers.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

5.

Comparison of conservative treatment with and without neural mobilization for patients with low back pain: A prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Author: KurtVedat, ArasOzgen, BukerNihal

Improved functionality
Reduced pain

This study found that neural mobilization was effective in reducing pain and improving functionality and straight leg raise test performance in patients with low back pain (LBP).

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

6.

Comparison of the effect of the McKenzie method and spiral stabilization in patients with low back pain: A prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Author: NechvátalPavol, HitríkTomáš, KendrováLucia Demjanovič, MacejMichal

Improved daily activities
Reduced disability

This prospective, comparative study compared the effect of the McKenzie method and spiral stabilization in patients with low back pain. The results showed significant improvement in both groups after 2 and 6 weeks of treatment. However, there was no significant difference between the two treatment methods, suggesting that both are equally effective in patients with low back pain.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

7.

Lumbar Spondylodiscitis Mimicking Cholecystitis: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Author: MirbagheriAndia, EtminanNima, SchölchSebastian, MaierChristopher, PerrinJason, EndersFrederik

Misdiagnosis

Lower back pain can be unspecific and lead to misdiagnosis in the presence of concomitant abdominal pathologies. Interdisciplinary clinical management is essential to avoid diagnostic errors.

Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.
Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

Prevalence and "Red Flags" Regarding Specified Causes of Back Pain in Older Adults Presenting in General Practice.

Author: EnthovenWendy T M, GeuzeJudith, ScheeleJantine, Bierma-ZeinstraSita M A, BuevingHerman J, BohnenArthur M, PeulWilco C, van TulderMaurits W, BergerMarjolein Y, KoesBart W, LuijsterburgPim A J

Back pain diagnosis

A prospective cohort study of 669 older adults with back pain found that 6% were diagnosed with a serious underlying pathology, mainly a vertebral fracture (5%). Four red flags were associated with the presence of vertebral fracture.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

SPECT/CT in differentiation of pseudarthrosis from other causes of back pain in lumbar spinal fusion: report on 10 consecutive cases.

Author: RagerOlivier, SchallerKarl, PayerMichael, TcherninDavid, RatibOsman, TessitoreEnrico

Accurate diagnosis
Improved surgical planning

This retrospective study compared the findings of SPECT fused with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) with CT alone in 10 patients with suspected pseudarthrosis after spinal fusion. SPECT/CT increased specificity for detecting nonunion of interbody devices and was more sensitive than CT in detecting facet joint degeneration.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.