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12 causes of low back pain
Low back pain is not a diagnosis, but a symptom. It can be caused by dozens of different pathologies. Accurate identification of the cause is the key to effective treatment.
1. Herniated Disc
The most common cause of acute low back pain with radiation into the leg. The disc nucleus protrudes beyond the fibrous ring and compresses the nerve root. Pain worsens with bending, coughing, and sneezing. Statistically, L4-L5 and L5-S1 herniations account for 95% of all lumbar herniations.
→ Learn more about herniated disc treatment using the MIBRAR® method
2. Disc Protrusion
The preceding stage of herniation — the disc bulges, but the fibrous ring is still intact. It manifests as dull, aching low back pain that worsens after prolonged sitting. Treatment is most effective at this stage and can prevent full herniation.
3. Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal due to degenerative changes. Characteristic symptom is neurogenic claudication: pain and weakness in the legs when walking, relieved by leaning forward. Most common in people over 50 years old.
→ Learn more about spinal stenosis treatment using the MIBRAR® method
4. Facet Joint Syndrome
Osteoarthritis of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the spine. Cause of up to 40% of chronic low back pain cases. Pain is localized in the lumbar area, worsens with extension and rotation. Does not radiate below the knee (unlike herniation).
5. Osteochondrosis
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies. Develops gradually, manifests as morning stiffness and dull pain with loading. MRI shows disc dehydration, osteophytes, and reduced intervertebral space height.
6. Spondylolisthesis
Displacement of a vertebra relative to the one below. Can be degenerative (in the elderly) or isthmic (in young athletes). Manifests as low back pain, a "step" on palpation, and sometimes compression of neural structures.
7. Sciatica (Radiculopathy)
Inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Manifests as shooting pain from the low back along the posterior thigh to the foot. Pain may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the leg.
8. Sacroiliitis
Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. Often masquerades as "low back pain," but is actually located lower — in the buttock and sacral area. May be a sign of ankylosing spondylitis or reactive arthritis.
9. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Chronic tension and spasm of lumbar muscles (quadratus lumborum, spinal extensors). Often develops with a sedentary lifestyle. Pain is dull, diffuse, with characteristic trigger points.
10. Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
Persistence or worsening of pain after spine surgery (microdiscectomy, stabilization). Causes: recurrent herniation, scar-adhesion process, instability of adjacent segment. MIBRAR® is particularly effective in these cases.
11. Vertebral Compression Fracture
More common in elderly people with osteoporosis — can occur with minimal stress. Acute pain at the fracture site, worsening with movement. Diagnosed by X-ray or CT.
12. Tumors and Metastases
Rare but dangerous cause. Characteristic are nighttime pains that do not subside at rest, weight loss, and worsening general condition. Requires immediate contrast-enhanced MRI.
Red Flags — when a doctor is needed urgently
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Numbness in the perineum, impaired urination and defecation, bilateral weakness in the legs. This is an emergency condition — urgent evaluation within 24-48 hours is required.
Progressive Neurological Deficit
Increasing weakness or paralysis of the foot (foot drop), loss of sensation over a large area of the leg.
Pain After Trauma
Acute low back pain after a fall, accident, or sports injury — vertebral fracture must be ruled out.
Systemic Signs
Unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats combined with back pain — oncology and infection must be ruled out.
Diagnostics: which examinations to undergo
Lumbar Spine MRI
Gold standard of diagnostics. Shows the condition of discs, neural structures, ligaments, and muscles. No radiation exposure. Mandatory for pain lasting more than 4-6 weeks or with neurological symptoms. We provide free evaluation of MRI scans.
Radiography
With functional tests (flexion/extension) — to detect instability. Shows bone structures, osteophytes, spondylolisthesis. Does not visualize soft tissues or herniations.
EMG (Electroneuromyography)
Suspected radiculopathy — determines the level and degree of nerve damage. Helps differentiate the cause of numbness and weakness in the leg.
Laboratory Tests
ESR, C-reactive protein, complete blood count — to rule out inflammatory diseases (Behçet's disease, infectious spondylodiscitis). HLA-B27 for suspected ankylosing spondylitis.
Low Back Pain Treatment using the MIBRAR® method
The MIBRAR® method eliminates not the symptom, but the cause of pain — it initiates regeneration of damaged tissues: discs, facet joints, ligaments.
Step 1: Diagnostics
Analysis of MRI scans by Prof. Babayan. Identification of the specific pain source — disc, facet joint, sacroiliac joint. Development of an individual treatment plan.
Step 2: Biomaterial Collection
From venous blood (10-20 ml), CGF — concentrated growth factors — are isolated by centrifugation. From mini-lipoaspirate (20-30 ml adipose tissue), Lipogems® — microfragmented adipose tissue with mesenchymal stem cells — is obtained.
Step 3: Navigated Injection
Using the Cyber Navi Hand™ system under fluoroscopic control, biomaterials are injected precisely into the damaged disc, facet joint, or epidural space through a 0.5-1.5 mm puncture. Positioning accuracy — up to 0.1 mm.
Step 4: Regeneration
Over the next 3-6 months, stem cells and growth factors restore damaged tissues: disc hydration increases, facet joint cartilage is regenerated, inflammation of nerve roots decreases.
Send your MRI scans for free evaluation
Prof. Babayan will personally assess your case and suggest an optimal treatment plan.
Diseases Causing Low Back Pain
Herniated Disc
Prolapse of the disc nucleus with nerve compression. Acute pain radiating to the leg.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal. Neurogenic claudication, pain while walking.
Facet Joint Syndrome
Osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Pain on extension, up to 40% of chronic pain cases.
Osteochondrosis
Disc degeneration. Morning stiffness, dull pain with loading.
Spondylolisthesis
Vertebral slippage. Instability, pain when transitioning from sitting to standing.
Sciatica
Compression of the sciatic nerve. Shooting pain down the leg to the foot.
Questions about Low Back Pain
Seek urgent medical attention for: numbness in the perineum or both legs, urinary dysfunction, progressive leg weakness, pain after trauma, unexplained weight loss, fever. These symptoms may indicate cauda equina syndrome or other emergencies.
Yes. The MIBRAR® method allows treatment of disc herniations without incisions or general anesthesia. CGF and Lipogems® are injected directly into the damaged disc, initiating the regeneration process. Effectiveness for herniations up to 12 mm is 90-95%.
Primary test — MRI of the lumbar spine (without contrast). Additional: X-ray with functional tests, EMG for suspected radiculopathy, blood tests (ESR, CRP) to rule out inflammatory diseases.
Blocks and cortisone provide temporary pain relief for 2-6 weeks but do not address the cause. Moreover, repeated cortisone injections damage cartilage. MIBRAR® initiates regeneration of damaged tissues — the effect builds over time and lasts for years.
The cost depends on the number of treatment zones and disease stage. An accurate calculation requires MRI scan review. Send your scans via the form on the website — MRI consultation is free.