What are the causes of back pain?

What are the causes of back pain?

The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks and bones - the segments of our spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads. Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases of back pain, its cause is never found.

Strain - the most common causes of back pain are:

• Strained muscles

• Strained ligaments

• Lifting something improperly

• Lifting something that is too heavy

• The result of an abrupt and awkward movement

• A muscle spasm

Structural problems - the following structural problems may also result in back pain:

• Ruptured disks - each vertebra in our spine is cushioned by disks. If the disk ruptures there will be more pressure on a nerve, resulting in back pain.

• Bulging disks - in much the same way as ruptured disks, a bulging disk can result in more pressure on a nerve.

• Sciatica - a sharp and shooting pain that travels through the buttock and down the back of the leg, caused by a bulging or herniated disk pressing on a nerve.

• Arthritis - patients with osteoarthritis commonly experience problems with the joints in the hips, lower back, knees and hands. In some cases spinal stenosis can develop - the space around the spinal cord narrows.

• Abnormal curvature of the spine - if the spine curves in an unusual way the patient is more likely to experience back pain. An example is scoliosis, when the spine curves to the side.

• Osteoporosis - bones, including the vertebrae of the spine, become brittle and porous, making compression fractures more likely.

Below are some other causes of back pain:

• Cauda equina syndrome - the cauda equine is a bundle of spinal nerve roots that arise from the lower end of the spinal cord. People with cauda equine syndrome feel a dull pain in the lower back and upper buttocks, as well as analgesia (lack of feeling) in the buttocks, genitalia and thigh. There are sometimes bowel and bladder function disturbances.

• Cancer of the spine - a tumor located on the spine may press against a nerve, resulting in back pain.

• Infection of the spine - if the patient has an elevated body temperature (fever) as well as a tender warm area on the back, it could be caused by an infection of the spine.

• Other infections - pelvic inflammatory disease (females), bladder or kidney infections.

• Sleep disorders - individuals with sleep disorders are more likely to experience back pain, compared to others.

• Shingles - an infection that can affect the nerves.

• Bad mattress - if a mattress does not support specific parts of the body and keep the spine straight, there is a greater risk of developing back pain.

Everyday activities or poor posture

Back pain can also be the result of some everyday activity or poor posture. Examples include:

• Bending awkwardly

• Pushing something

• Pulling something

• Carrying something

• Lifting something

• Standing for long periods

• Bending down for long periods

• Twisting

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Muscle tension

• Over-stretching

• Sitting in a hunched position for long periods (e.g. when driving)

• Long driving sessions without a break (even when not hunched)