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Differential Diagnosis for Severe Back Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Musculoskeletal strain: This is the most common cause of severe back pain, often resulting from overuse, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements. The pain is typically localized to the lower back and may radiate to the buttocks or thighs.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Herniated disc: A herniated disc can cause severe back pain, especially if it compresses a nerve root. The pain may radiate to the legs and be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
  • Degenerative disc disease: This condition can cause severe back pain, especially in older adults, due to the wear and tear of the spinal discs.
  • Spondylosis: This condition, characterized by a defect in the pars interarticularis, can cause severe back pain, especially in young athletes.
  • Osteoarthritis: This condition can cause severe back pain, especially in older adults, due to the wear and tear of the spinal joints.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Cauda equina syndrome: A rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, characterized by severe back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Spinal infection (e.g., osteomyelitis, discitis): Infections of the spine can cause severe back pain and require prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
  • Spinal fracture: A fracture of the spine can cause severe back pain and require immediate medical attention to prevent further injury.
  • Cancer (e.g., metastatic disease, multiple myeloma): Although rare, cancer can cause severe back pain and requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Ankylosing spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory disease that can cause severe back pain and stiffness, especially in young adults.
  • Spondylolisthesis: A condition characterized by the slipping of one vertebra over another, which can cause severe back pain, especially in young athletes.
  • Spinal stenosis: A condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can cause severe back pain, especially in older adults.
  • Paget's disease: A rare condition characterized by an abnormal breakdown and regrowth of bone tissue, which can cause severe back pain.

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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