Common Causes of Spinal Pain

Causes of Aches and Pains Affecting the Spine

From normal wear-and-tear to chronic health conditions, there are many reasons your back could be bothering you. In light of Pain Awareness Month, the health experts at Inspired Spine are here to share some of the most common culprits that may be causing your spinal discomfort.

Spinal Arthritis

Arthritis is not a single disease or condition but an umbrella term used to refer to joint pain. Spinal arthritis specifically refers to the pain-causing inflammation that affects the facet joints of the spine or even the sacroiliac joints found between the spine and hips.

Although symptoms can range from mild to severe, spinal arthritis is characterized by:

• Back and neck pain.
• Stiffness and loss of range of motion.
• Inflammation and tenderness.
• Feeling a grinding sensation when moving the spine.
• Fatigue.
• Numbness in the arms or legs.
• Tension headaches.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis happens when bone mass and mineral density are lost, which decreases the strength of your bones. Unfortunately, this disease often goes unnoticed until an injury like a fracture or a vertebral collapse occurs.

Herniated Discs

Your vertebrae are cushioned by discs that act as shock absorbers for your spine. A herniated or slipped disc happens when a piece of this special bone is displaced and finds its way into the spinal canal.

Herniated discs are characterized by:

• Stiffness
• Pain
• Numbness
• Weakness

If you suffer from persistent back pain, it is recommended that you reach out to a spinal specialist to get to the root cause of your discomfort.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Minnesota

When it comes to aches and pains, the discomfort that affects your back can be more than just an annoyance—it can negatively affect your quality of life and your independence. At Inspired Spine, our experienced and knowledgeable spinal surgeons are dedicated to relieving your chronic back pain with the least invasive treatment possible.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our spine surgeons, call (952) 225-5266 today.