What Could be Causing Low Back Pain?

What Causes Low Back Pain?

Low back pain can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'worrying' to 'generally fatal'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose low back pain, we could:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "low back pain" as a symptom. Here are eight of many possibilities (more below):

Stress
West Nile Virus
Dehydration
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Osteoporosis
Ovarian Cancer
Low Estrogens
Magnesium Need

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

breast soreness during cycle

regular sleepwalking

significant right iliac pain

frequent bowel movement changes

very angry/hostile disposition

dry eyes

moderate hypogastric pain

severe eyelid twitch

low energy/stamina

pitted nails

hallucinations

frequent unexplained vomiting

... and more than 140 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of low back pain:

Cause	Probability	Status
Low Estrogens	97%	Confirm
Osteoporosis	30%	Unlikely
Dehydration	19%	Unlikely
Ankylosing Spondylitis	3%	Ruled out
Magnesium Need	0%	Ruled out
Ovarian Cancer	0%	Ruled out
West Nile Virus	0%	Ruled out
Stress	0%	Ruled out

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate spinal problems, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

Do you suffer from lower back pain that is not caused by a known injury?

Possible responses:

→ No / rarely / I was injured / don't know
→ Past minor problem, now resolved
→ Past major problem, now resolved
→ Yes, there is some pain
→ Yes, serious / a lot of pain

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate history of low back pain, lower back pain or much lower back pain, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Ankylosing Spondylitis

The inflammation occurring in cases of ankylosing spondylitis usually starts around the sacroiliac joints i.e. the areas where the lower spine is joined to the pelvis. The pain is worse during periods of rest or inactivity, often awakening patients in the middle of the night. Symptoms typically lessen with movement and exercise. Over a period of time, pain and stiffness may progress into the upper spine and even into the chest and neck.

Copper Deficiency

A copper deficiency has been associated with weakening of connective tissue, which in turn can contribute to the development of slipped or herniated discs.

Dehydration

The intervertebral discs between the vertebrae in the spine consist of a tough exterior filled with a gel-like substance that is primarily water. Daily activity puts weight on the spine, especially the lower spine; discs compress and some of the fluid is squeezed out. These discs rehydrate while we sleep at night, but when we are dehydrated this rehydration may be incomplete. Discs that are not adequately hydrated cannot fully absorb shock and can rupture more easily, leaking fluid, irritating spinal nerves, and causing lower back pain.

Endometriosis

Estrogens Low

Fibroids

Mural fibroids (located in the uterine wall) and subserous fibroids (protrude outside the uterine wall) may reach a large size before causing symptoms. These symptoms may include pressure on the bladder with difficulty voiding or urinary frequency and urgency, pressure on the rectum with constipation, lower back pain and abdominal pain, as well as heavy bleeding.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Pain in the lower back, buttocks or thighs is common, and is often the earliest symptom.

Osteoporosis - Osteopenia

Back pain is an early sign of bone loss.

Ovarian Cancer

Pyelonephritis

The symptoms of kidney infection can include back pain, side pain and loin pain.

Torticollis (Loxia, "Wryneck")

West Nile Virus

Stress

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™