Localized lower back pain
The following describes the causes and symptoms of back pain in specific locations in the lower back. Back pain in the lower back is not uncommon. Often affected people complain about the pain for weeks or even months.
Both acute events, such as a broken bone or a sports injury, and gradual processes can lead to lower back pain. The “lower back” refers to the area of the lumbar spine.Due to its location, this is exposed to the greatest stress in everyday life: it has to carry the greatest weight. Pain on the right side of the lower back indicates that the cause of the pain also lies on this side.
A lateral herniated disc is a common cause of right-sided pain in the lower back. This means that a part of the disc slips to the right side from its actual position and squeezes nerves there. In the lumbar spine, the localization between lumbar vertebrae 4 and 5 is particularly frequently affected.
The pain feels attractive and can also radiate into the right leg. Nerve irritation due to joint degeneration (spondylarthropathy) in the lower back also leads to unilateral back pain on the right side. The pain is similar to that of a herniated disc, since here too the nerve irritation causes the pain.
Acute injuries on the right side, such as bruises, falls or the like can of course also cause unilateral pain. Other diseases of the spine, such as osteomyelitis or spondylolisthesis, do not usually cause unilateral back pain. Basically the same applies to lower back pain on the left side as on the right side.
Unilateral pain can be an expression of a lateral herniated disc or joint degeneration (spondylarthropathy) on the affected side. Irritation of nerves or nerve roots on the left side is the reason for the stabbing, unilateral pain. Radiation into the left leg is typical.
Sensory discomfort or a tingling sensation are also possible. Muscular tension of the back muscles or leg muscles on the left side are also possible reasons for a left-sided pain in the lower back. Other diseases of the spine usually do not show strictly one-sided pain.
Another cause of unilateral pain on the left side is an inflammation of the renal pelvis of the left kidney. The pain feels rather dull and oppressive. However, it is a pain that can be very strong already when touching the skin.
Accompanying symptoms of the infection such as fever, pain when urinating and a general feeling of exhaustion are typical. Many different diseases and conditions can cause pain in the lower back area. Central back pain of the lumbar spine is not uncommon.
Muscle tension, joint degeneration and slipped discs are the top 3 causes of lower back pain. Joint blockages and the strain on important supporting structures such as ligaments, tendons and fasciae are also possible causes of back pain in the central region of the lower spine. A lack of movement or incorrect strain on the spine is often an important factor in the development of such conditions.
Overweight also has a negative effect and places particular strain on the central region of the spine, as this is where most of the weight has to be absorbed. Wear in the sacroiliac joint can lead to both central and unilateral pain in the lower back and buttocks. Other specific diseases of the spinal column such as inflammation (osteomyelitis, spondylodiscitis) or ankylosing spondylitis as well as rheumatism are somewhat less common but can be considered as causes.
Lateral pain in the lower back indicates a cause that is also located on a specific side of the back. These can be lateral herniated discs, signs of wear and tear on joints, ligaments or tendons, muscle tension, joint blockages or even injuries to various structures. Often, a long-standing lack of exercise and obesity are significantly involved in the development of herniated discs and joint wear.
Nerve root irritations, which develop in the course of this, lead to stabbing, lateral pain, which can be accompanied by tingling and a reduction in strength in the affected side. In addition, inflammation of the renal pelvis is a possible cause of pain located in the lateral, lower back. Pulling in the leg is particularly typical of radiculopathy.
This is the irritation of a nerve root. It can be caused by joint degeneration in the sacroiliac joint or in other areas of the lumbar spine as well as by herniated discs. The segment between lumbar vertebrae 4 and 5 is most frequently affected.Pinching or squeezing the nerve root in this area typically causes the pain to radiate into the leg on the affected side.
An incarceration or irritation of the sciatic nerve typically leads to so-called lumboischialgia. This term refers to pain in the lumbar spine in the lower back and pain in the area supplied by the sciatic nerve. This includes the buttocks and the leg.
The pain is pulling and extends from the buttocks to the leg. This often severely limits the patient’s ability to bear weight. Sensations such as tingling in the leg can also occur.
