Causes of Back Pain

Learn about common causes of back pain and contributing factors with Dr. Saleh Atiyah in Amman

Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints, affecting approximately 80% of people at some point in their lives. It can result from multiple causes ranging from simple muscle strains to complex conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Understanding these causes accurately is the first and most important step toward determining the appropriate and effective treatment for each case.

Structural causes include problems with vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and facet joints. A herniated disc occurs when the disc between vertebrae protrudes and presses on adjacent nerves, causing pain that may extend to the leg in what is known as sciatica. This condition is common especially in the lower lumbar vertebrae and requires careful evaluation to determine its severity and best treatment options.

Facet joint degeneration occurs due to aging or repetitive stress and causes localized back pain that worsens with movement, bending, and prolonged standing. Spinal stenosis is a condition where the canal through which the spinal cord passes narrows, compressing nerves and causing pain and numbness in the legs, especially when walking long distances.

Piriformis syndrome is a condition where tension in this deep buttock muscle compresses the sciatic nerve, causing pain resembling sciatica. This condition is often overlooked in diagnosis and requires careful clinical examination.