Differential Diagnosis for Lower Back Pain and Disk Differentials
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: This is the most common cause of lower 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 disk: A condition where the soft inner gel of the disk leaks out through a tear in the outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
- Degenerative disk disease: A condition where the spinal disks lose their cushioning ability and become worn out, leading to pain and stiffness in the lower back.
- Spondylosis: A condition where the vertebrae in the spine become worn out, leading to pain and stiffness in the lower back.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where a vertebra in the spine slips out of place, putting pressure on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cauda equina syndrome: A rare but serious condition where the nerves in the spinal cord become compressed, leading to severe pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs, as well as loss of bladder and bowel control. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage.
- Spinal infection: An infection of the spine, such as osteomyelitis or discitis, which can cause severe pain, fever, and stiffness in the lower back.
- Spinal tumor: A tumor that grows in the spine, which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: A condition where the aorta becomes enlarged and can rupture, causing severe back pain and potentially life-threatening bleeding.
Rare Diagnoses
- Spondylitis: A condition where the vertebrae in the spine become inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness in the lower back.
- Osteoporotic compression fracture: A condition where the vertebrae in the spine become weakened and collapse, leading to pain and deformity in the lower back.
- Spinal stenosis: A condition where the spinal canal becomes narrowed, putting pressure on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
- Epidural abscess: A rare but serious condition where an abscess forms in the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord, leading to severe pain, fever, and stiffness in the lower back.