Lower Back Pain

Over 80% of the population will suffer from lower back pain during their lives. Most cases of lower back pain can be linked to a general cause—such as muscle strain, injury, or overuse—or can be attributed to a specific condition of the spine, most commonly:

A number of less common conditions can cause low back pain as well, such as sacroiliac joint dysfunction, spinal tumors, fibromyalgia, and piriformis syndrome.

Doctor speaking with a patient in a hospital bed.

Article

Back Pain Red-Flags for Emergency Room vs. Physician Consults

When a concerning injury, symptom, or sign related to back pain occurs, it is important to make an immediate decision of how soon professional medical care is needed.

Anterior view of pelvis showing cauda equina which is a bundle of nerve fibers at the bottom of the spinal cord.

Article

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If cauda equina syndrome is not treated quickly, it can result in physical and neurological problems.

Medical illustration showing the cauda equina nerve roots in the lumbar spine

Article

Cauda Equina Syndrome Symptoms

Cauda equina syndrome symptoms include lower back pain, sharp leg pain, and bladder or bowel incontinence.

Medical illustration of a microtear is the muscles of the lumbar spine.

Article

Causes and Diagnosis of Lower Back Strain

Back strains can be acute or chronic. Acute back strains are caused by a one-time injury, while chronic strains are caused by repetitive movements that damage the back muscles and ligaments over time.

Medical illustration of the bones and nerves in the hips and pelvis. The saddle area is highlighted and labeled.

Article

Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome

A lumbar herniated disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, spinal infections, and any other trauma to the lumbar spine can cause nerve compression leading to cauda equina syndrome.

Posterior view of the lower back highlighting the pain in the lumbar spine.

Article

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Examine the most common causes of lower back pain including muscle strain, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and more.

Posterior view of pelvis labeling the coccyx (tailbone).

Article

Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)

Coccydynia (tailbone pain or coccyx pain) is a rare condition that causes persistent pain in the bottom of the spine. Explore coccydynia treatment options.

Posterior view of the skeletal system at the pelvis showing pain in the tailbone.

Article

Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain) Causes

Typical causes of coccydynia include injury, childbirth, pressure to the coccyx area, tumors, and infections.

Article

Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain) Symptoms

Coccydynia symptoms may vary from patient to patient, but often include tailbone pain and tenderness that increases with sitting, bowel movements, and/or sexual intercourse.

Posterior view of pelvis showing the coccyx.

Article

Coccygectomy Surgery for Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)

Explanation of coccygectomy, or surgical removal of the coccyx, a very rarely performed procedure designed to alleviate persistent coccydynia (tailbone pain).