Congenital Bone Conditions
Congenital causes of low back pain that exist from the birth include scoliosis and spina bifida.
Scoliosis – Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. It can be functional scoliosis (caused when one lower extremity is shorter than the other) or structural scoliosis (because of an abnormal architecture of the spine). Children who are severely affected by either type of scoliosis may require treatment with support bracing or surgery of the spine. Adults are not usually treated with surgical intervention, but often benefit from bracing.
Spina bifida – It is a congenital disability in the bony vertebral arch over the spinal canal. In most cases, it is accompanied by the absence of the spinous process. This congenital disability most commonly affects the top of the sacrum and L5 (lowest lumbar vertebra). Occasionally, the affected area also has an abnormal tuft of hair on the skin. This condition can be symptom-less, depending on the severity of the arch; however, it can also cause severe nervous deformities of the lower extremities.