Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention, yet many don’t realize it can be more than just a pulled muscle or poor posture. At Florida Medical Pain Management, we often remind patients that certain diseases can cause back pain, sometimes as an early warning sign of a deeper issue. Understanding these conditions can lead to quicker diagnoses and more effective treatment.
One of the most frequent culprits is arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. These conditions cause inflammation in the joints and spine, leading to stiffness, swelling, and chronic discomfort. Ankylosing spondylitis, a form of inflammatory arthritis, specifically targets the spine and can lead to reduced flexibility and a hunched posture if left untreated.
Another serious disease that can cause back pain is kidney disease. When the kidneys are inflamed or infected, they may radiate pain to the lower back or flank area. Conditions like kidney stones or infections may feel like muscular back pain but require a completely different form of treatment.
Osteoporosis is another silent disease that often isn’t diagnosed until a fracture occurs. This bone-weakening condition can lead to compression fractures in the spine, which are extremely painful and can lead to long-term mobility issues.
Less commonly, cancers such as spinal tumors or metastatic cancers (cancer that has spread to the spine from another part of the body) can also cause back pain. These types of pain are usually persistent, worsening at night, and not relieved by rest. Any unexplained back pain that doesn’t improve should always be evaluated by a specialist.
Infections such as osteomyelitis (infection in the bone) or spinal epidural abscess can also be responsible. These are considered medical emergencies and often require hospitalization and antibiotics.
At Florida Medical Pain Management, we use advanced diagnostic tools and a multidisciplinary approach to pinpoint what may be causing your pain. Whether it’s something as common as arthritis or as serious as a spinal tumor, understanding the root cause is the first step toward effective relief.
If you’re experiencing persistent or unusual back pain, don’t ignore it. The disease that may cause back pain could be treatable, especially when caught early. Let our team help you find answers and get back to living pain-free.
A medical professional wrote this article at Florida Medical Pain Management. As the leading Florida pain center, we are proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.