Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem. There are many different severity levels and causes, but most people suffer from some kind of back pain. Common causes of back pain are injuries, mechanical problems and conditions and diseases.

Injuries

One of the most common causes of back pain is injuries. Whether it is from lifting something improperly, twisting your back wrong or falling, an injury can cause short lived or chronic back pain.

• Sprains, or tears in ligaments that support the spine, are caused by twisting or lifting improperly.
• Vertebrae can get fractured due to osteoporosis or falling.
• Overall strain can be caused by accidents or falls.

Injuries can lead people to suffering.

Mechanical Problems

A mechanical problem means that it hurts when you move your spine in certain ways. This can be caused by a few different conditions.

• Intervertebral disc degeneration is caused by age. The discs located between the vertebrae break down and lose their cushioning ability.
• Isthmic spondylolisthesis occurs when vertebra slip forward.
• Herniated discs, also called muscle spasms, muscle tension or ruptured discs, can be worsened by sitting.
• Another mechanical problem is the wearing down of facet joints. Facet joints are the large joints that connect the vertebrae to another.

Each of these problems makes it hard to move. About two thirds of adults in the United States are affected by mechanical back problems.

Conditions and Diseases

Medical diseases or conditions can also lead to back pain.

• Scoliosis, or the curvature of the spine, can start to cause back pain mid-life.
• Arthritis can hurt joints in your spine as well as elsewhere.
• Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal column. This puts pressure on the spine and the nerves.
• Pregnancy can also cause back pain, but not usually chronic.

These medical conditions can be the cause of or lead to back pain.

Back pain is a common problem today. There are many different causes. If you are concerned about back pain, make sure to see a professional.

By Dr. James  Lin
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