There are multiple causes of low back pain, such as radiculopathy,
osteoarthrosis and bony pain, pain coming from the ligaments, and muscles.
Radiculopathy is caused by problems in the nerve roots, the pain is very severe, “shooting down” the leg, usually like an “electric sensation”, worse with some positions and maneuvers, and most likely unilateral. The neurologic exam helps to distinguish this problem, as well as the history. It is important to recognize this early.