Common causes of back pain
Back pain is one of the most widespread health complaints worldwide, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. Research estimates that up to 84% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime, with symptoms and severity varying greatly between individuals.
According to the World Health Organization, low back pain alone is the leading cause of disability globally, affecting hundreds of millions of people and increasing sharply with age.
Below we explain key causes of back pain, and why seeing a specialist like Dr Hussien El-Maghraby can help you find a tailored treatment approach.
Mechanical strain and soft tissue injury
One of the most frequent triggers of back pain is simple mechanical strain of the muscles, ligaments or tendons supporting the spine. This can happen with sudden movements, heavy lifting or prolonged poor posture. Although these episodes are often temporary, they can be painful and limit movement. In most cases, these strains resolve with rest, activity modification and guided exercise. Dr El-Maghraby can help differentiate mechanical strain from other causes that may require more specific treatments.
Disc-related problems
Intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, and they can wear down over time through age, activity or injury. Disc degeneration and bulges or herniations are among the most common structural causes of back pain, particularly in the lower back. When a disc herniates, the inner gel can press on nearby nerves, leading to leg pain or sciatica – where pain radiates down the leg.
Disc problems can range from mild irritation to more significant nerve compression. For some patients, conservative care such as physiotherapy is enough. Others may benefit from minimally invasive treatments like Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression or spinal injections to reduce nerve irritation.
Facet joint and arthritis-related pain
The small joints between the vertebrae, called facet joints, allow movement and stability in the spine. Over time, these joints can become arthritic or inflamed, leading to facet joint pain that may feel like stiffness, aching or discomfort aggravated by extension or rotation of the spine. Degenerative changes in these joints are often seen alongside disc wear and contribute to persistent back pain, particularly in adults over 50.
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical assessment and imaging, and treatment may include targeted injections or minimally invasive procedures to calm inflammation and restore comfort.
Spinal stenosis and nerve compression
As people age, the spinal canal can narrow due to bone overgrowth, thickened ligaments or degenerative changes, resulting in spinal stenosis. This narrowing places pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness or weakness, often during walking or prolonged standing.
Spinal stenosis is especially common in older adults and may accompany other degenerative conditions. A personalised assessment helps determine whether conservative care or a precise decompression procedure is most appropriate.
Less common but important causes
While disc and joint degeneration account for many cases, other conditions can also cause back pain. These include sacroiliac joint dysfunction, inflammatory conditions like axial spondyloarthritis, vertebral fractures from osteoporosis, or rare but serious diagnoses such as infections or tumours. If back pain is severe, progressive, or accompanied by symptoms like bladder or bowel changes, urgent evaluation is recommended.
Why specialist assessment matters
Because back pain has many potential causes, a thorough evaluation is key to targeted, effective care.
Dr Hussien El-Maghraby specialises in diagnosing the underlying causes of back pain and tailoring a treatment plan that ranges from conservative support and injections through to minimally invasive interventions when needed.
If you are struggling with persistent back pain that hasn’t responded to standard care, get in touch to book a consultation with Dr El-Maghraby.
