Little Known Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain

While there are many reasons for lower back pain, many are little-known and challenging to diagnose. 

While chronic lower back pain is different for everyone, Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas, Dr. Aashish Jay Kumar, MD, D.ABA, can diagnose the cause of your back pain and create a treatment plan. 

Compressed nerves or herniated discs are often the culprits in long-term back pain. But they’re not the only issues. Sometimes, it’s lesser known causes. 

7 lesser-known causes for chronic lower back pain

If you’re tired of living with lower back pain, getting a proper diagnosis is essential. That way, you can get the appropriate treatment. 

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction 

If the large bones at the bottom of your spine become misaligned due to poor posture, an injury, or another reason, it could be sacroiliac joint dysfunction. 

Infections 

Spinal infections or epidural abscesses can cause lower back pain. 

Endometriosis 

Endometriosis affects around 190 million women worldwide. It’s a painful condition where tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to nausea, fatigue, and pain. 

Pelvic congestion syndrome 

Varicose veins in your pelvis can cause persistent pain in the lower back and sometimes the pelvis. 

Kidney stones and gallbladder issues

Kidney stones are tiny balls of minerals and salts. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pebble. Either way, they hurt when they move around, and you might feel it on one side or the other in your lower back.

Gallbladder problems can also cause pain in your lower back or even your shoulder.

Ankylosing spondylitis 

This type of arthritis affects the spine, making it stiff and achy. As your spine becomes more rigid, it can impact your mobility. It’s not always easy to diagnose in the early stages.

Mental health 

As part of the complex mind-body connection, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can create physical pain in your body. 

Tumors 

It’s rare, but sometimes a tumor grows in or near the spine, causing chronic lower back pain. Tumors sometimes appear as lumps. 

Lifestyle 

Many people associate lifting heavy objects with back pain. However, prolonged periods of sitting can also cause chronic back pain. Your body is meant to move, so regular activity is essential.

At Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas, Dr. Kumar evaluates your medical history, age, lifestyle, and symptoms to diagnose the source of your chronic lower back pain and develop a treatment plan. Physical therapy, injections, radiofrequency ablation, and other options await. Schedule your appointment with our online scheduling tool.