Which anatomic structures are potential pain generators?
Back pain may originate from many spinal structures. These structures include the following:
- (1) the vertebral body periosteum,
- (2) intervertebral discs,
- (3) paravertebral musculature and fascia,
- (4) ligaments, (5) facet joints,
- (6) the annulus fibrosus,
- (7) spinal nerve roots,
- (8) dorsal root ganglia, and
- (9) paravertebral blood vessels.
The most common causes for pain result from musculoligamentous injuries and age-related degenerative processes of the intervertebral discs and facet joints.
Disc herniations and spinal stenosis are other common causes.
