A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the disc protrudes from its normal position between the vertebral bodies. The protruded disc can put pressure on the spinal nerves as they leave through the openings between the vertebral bodies. Depending upon the nerves which are affected by the protruding disc and can produce not only back pain but radiation of the pain down the leg, buttocks, thigh and lower leg. Additionally, such symptoms as numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation in one or perhaps both legs. The pain can be increased with any activity including coughing, sneezing or having a bowl movement.
Injuries can occur as a result of falls, accidents, or sports injuries.
Acquired conditions such as arthritis or vertebral body fractures can occur in the elderly with osteoporosis. A small percentage of the population has a condition called spondylolisthesis where the vertebral slips forward on the adjacent vertebral body. This movement can suppress the nerves that leave the spinal cord between these two vertebral bodies. Although spondylolisthesis is a common finding in the population, not all people that have spondylolisthesis will have low back pain. Infections and tumors are not very common causes of low back pain.