Overview 

Lower back pain is extremely prevalent among the general population, especially in older individuals. 

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), approximately 80% of people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. 

However, not all pain is equal, as it could indicate a much more severe problem in some situations. 

For this reason, we decided to write this article and share with you the most common causes of lower back pain and the warning signs that mandate consulting your orthopedic surgeon. 

The major causes of lower back pain 

Lumbar strain 

A lumbar strain is an umbrella term that describes an injury to one of the following structures: 

• Tendons 
• Ligaments 
• Muscles  

If the tension on one of these components exceeds normal levels, microscopic tears occur, which eventually sends signals to the brain and causes pain. 

According to the latest guidelines, patients with lumbar strains should not stay bedridden for a prolonged period of time. 

Lumbar radiculopathy 

Commonly known as sciatica, lumbar radiculopathy occurs when the lumbar disks get weakened, forcing the soft portions to herniate. 

Patients with lumbar radiculopathy get triaged to opt for medical or surgical treatment (e.g., minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery).  

Arthritis 

Arthritis commonly affects dynamic joints (e.g., elbows, wrists, knees); however, patients could also develop this condition in their lower back (spondyloarthropathy). 

Overtimes, the vertebrae fuse together, leading to severe pain and stiffness. 

When should you see your orthopedic surgeon? 

In this section, we will discuss some of the symptoms that may potentially present with back pain.  

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your orthopedic surgeon immediately, as you may need specialized care (e.g., minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery): 

Fever 

Fever associated with lower back pain could indicate a spinal infection (e.g., osteomyelitis) that is affecting the bony structures, which eventually causes osteolysis (i.e., the breakdown of bone), and in some cases, sepsis (i.e., the spread of the infection in the bloodstream). 

If you experience high-grade fever with back pain, you should consult with Dr. Katzell at 561-642-1219 

Numbness and weakness 

Numbness and/or weakness of the lower limbs with back pain is a sign of nerve damage caused by a structural abnormality in the spine. 

This is a surgical emergency that requires immediate attention! 

For a first Consult please contact Dr. Katzell at 561-642-1219 

Loss of sphincter control  

Like the sensations of numbness and weakness, the loss of sphincter control that manifests as urinary or bowel incontinence may reveal serious nerve damage to the neurons responsible for controlling the muscles around these sphincters. 

Receiving the proper care on time could reverse this dysfunction, alleviating the need for extended sessions of physical therapy and eliminating the risk of irreversible loss of sphincter control. 

Takeaway message 

Lower back pain is a hassle to deal with for both patients and their physicians. 

Hopefully, this article helped you understand some of the warning signs that require urgent care and the reason behind it. 

If you need an orthopedic in Lake Worth, call us today at 561-642-1219 for a first consult with Dr. Katzell.