Spine fractures have many causes such as falls, car accidents and direct blows. Lumbar spondylosis is a term that refers to degenerative changes of the bones in the lumbar spine. Osteoporosis can also causes spine fractures. There are a number of medical problems that can cause back pain but that do not directly affect the spine. Usually located in the middle of the lower portion of the back, the pain can be sharp, stabbing, dull, throbbing or aching.
Some people experience associated pain in the buttock and or leg.
This pain can be located on one side or more rarely on both sides. This is often called sciatica and is a different problem than standard low back pain. The pain can increase with movement such as bending, twisting, lifting and even walking. Frequently patients feel better when lying down and worse when standing or sitting. Certain symptoms such as urinary problems, leg or foot weakness, loss of sensation, pain lasting more than a month, sudden severe pain not related to an injury and fever or weight loss associated with back pain are reasons to seek medical treatment urgently.