Differential Diagnosis for Back Pain with Traveling Pain and Acute Exacerbations
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Mechanical Low Back Pain: This is the most common cause of back pain and can be exacerbated by movement, leading to traveling pain. Acute exacerbations can occur due to increased physical activity, poor posture, or lifting heavy objects.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Herniated Disc: A herniated disc can cause back pain that travels down the leg, especially if the disc is pressing on a nerve. Acute exacerbations can occur with heavy lifting, bending, or sudden movements.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition can cause chronic back pain with acute exacerbations due to the wear and tear of the spinal discs.
- Spondylosis: This condition, characterized by a defect in the pars interarticularis, can cause back pain that travels and has acute exacerbations, especially in young athletes.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: A serious condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, causing severe back pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. If missed, it can lead to permanent neurological damage.
- Spinal Infection (e.g., Osteomyelitis, Discitis): Infections of the spine can cause severe back pain with acute exacerbations and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Spinal Tumor: Tumors in the spine can cause back pain that travels and has acute exacerbations, and can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated early.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory disease that can cause back pain and stiffness, with acute exacerbations.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where a vertebra slips out of place, causing back pain that travels and has acute exacerbations.
- Osteoporotic Compression Fracture: A fracture of the vertebrae due to osteoporosis, which can cause severe back pain with acute exacerbations.