Dr. Paul Saiz: What Causes Lower Back Pain?

1. Dr. Paul Saiz: What Causes Lower
Back Pain?

2. Paul Saiz, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon. Member of the
North American Spine Society, the American Board of Spine
Surgery, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and
the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, Dr. Saiz is the owner and
principal Spine physician at Las Cruces Orthopaedic
Associates, PC.
Lower back pain affects millions of people throughout the
United States. Some estimates indicate that up to 80 percent of
the population will experience some form of back pain during
their lifetime. For many patients, back pain worsens with
movement and the aging process. Below are a few common
causes of lower back pain.

3. Herniated or Degenerated Spinal Discs: Separating
vertebrae, spinal discs protect the spine by acting as
shock absorbers. Herniated disks or degenerated discs
may lead to back pain and pinched nerves (leg pain).
Scoliosis: A common condition in which the spine
curves abnormally, scoliosis can be a factor in lower
back pain. Untreated and undiagnosed scoliosis
potentially can worsen over time.

4. Muscular Strains: The spinal cord is supported by
muscles and tissues. Overworked muscles may spasm
and ache, producing mild to moderate pain.
Spinal Stenosis: This spinal disorder involves a
compression of the canal space where nerves travel.
Normally caused by degenerative changes due to
osteoarthritis; this condition places pressure on the
nerves, which contributes to back pain.

5. Patients who experience persistent back pain should
visit a medical professional as soon as possible. With
modern technology such as magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI)or X-rays, physicians can more easily
identify, diagnose and treat the causes of back pain.

6. Patients who experience persistent back pain should
visit a medical professional as soon as possible. With
modern technology such as magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI)or X-rays, physicians can more easily
identify, diagnose and treat the causes of back pain.