What’s Causing My Stiff Back?

Common Causes of Spinal Stiffness

While everyone wakes up on the wrong side of the bed every now and then—waking up with a kink in your neck or back frequently can be a sign of something more. The health experts at Inspired Spine are here to shed some light on some of the most common causes for spinal stiffness.

A Herniated Disc

The vertebrae of your spine are cushioned by discs—which are round, specialized bones like rubbery pads found between the vertebrae. These discs are responsible for absorbing shock for your spine.

A herniated disc happens when a fragment of this specialized bone’s nucleus is pushed out of place and into the spinal canal. While signs and symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the disc herniation, common symptoms include:

• Stiffness
• Pain
• Numbness
• Weakness

Spinal Stenosis

Your spine helps to protect your spinal cord from damage, allowing your back to bend and twist freely. However, spinal stenosis narrows the spine, putting unwanted pressure on your spinal cord that can lead to aches and pains affecting the back.

Along with causing stiffness of the back, spinal stenosis can also cause:

• Numbness
• Weakness
• Crampin
• Pain radiating down the leg
• Foot pain

Sciatica

Extending from your lower back to your hips, buttock, and legs—your sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body. When this nerve is irritated or damaged, it can result in pain radiating in your lower back and hips.

Sciatica is typically brought on by:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• An injury to the hip

In some cases, sciatic nerve pain can have no apparent cause, making a trip to a spinal specialist necessary.

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.