Common Causes of Back Pain

Our backs take a beating, with up to 80% of the total population suffering pain at least once in their life. It isn’t just an ailment of the elderly, either. 4 out of 5 people under the age of 45 suffer enough to take time off work at least once because of their back pain.  It’s the second leading cause of missing a day.

What are some characteristics of this surprisingly common condition?

Some describe their back pain as a dull ache, while say others say it’s a sharp, stabbing pain. Some describe it as a feeling of stiffness or numbness.

Some injuries and illness can leave you in so much pain that you are immobile, while other minor injuries can simply cause a mild pain. Severe back pain that is accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated by a professional, who can help you determine the proper treatment.

Whatever the cause, sufferers all agree that back pain results in physical and emotional difficulty. Unfortunately, back pain is a vicious cycle. Back pain, in and of itself, creates more back pain. Sufferers have poor posture, stooping over to alleviate some of the pain. This poor walking creates more back pain, making the problem worse.

What are some causes?

– Back pain experienced by the aged is, unfortunately, part and parcel of the aging process. This type of back pain may be caused by any of a number of back disorders, e.g., spinal stenosis.

– Temporary back pain is caused by temporary conditions, such as the flu or a pregnancy. It can also be brought on by a psychological condition, such as stress.

– Everyone knows someone who suffers with arthritis, a very common cause of back pain, particularly in the elderly and sports people.

– Sports and car injuries are another common cause. Lumbar strains, vertebrae fractures can cause specifically located back strain.

– Poor posture is perhaps the leading culprit of back pain. Those who work manual labor for a longtime can suffer, as well as can those that perform occupations that require sitting or standing for long periods of time, such as secretaries and office jobs.

– Certain viral and bacterial infections, e.g., meningitis or a urinary tract infection, may cause back pain.

– Congenital back pain may be caused by certain inherent diseases (those a person may be born with, e.g., curvature of the spine).

– Back pain may be a symptom of a number of diseases, including kidney disease, gall bladder infection, etc.

If you experience back pain that lasts for more than a few days, you should contact your doctor or other professional for treatment advice. There are many treatment options, including alternative treatments that are non-invasive.

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