Back pain is a common complaint that most people will experience in their lives at one time or another. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Americans will spend at least $50 billion each year to diagnose and treat low back pain. It is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States and the most common job-related disability. There are several reasons why back pain occurs.
Strains
According to Mayo Clinic physicians, strains are a common factor involved in back pain that result from strained muscles and ligaments. At times, a muscle spasm can either cause or be associated with back pain. Muscle strains and spasms can result from improperly lifting heavy pieces or from a sudden, awkward movement.
Disc Problems
According to the Mayo Clinic, a bulging or ruptured disc may also be the cause of back pain. Discs act as a cushion between the bones in your spinal column. Sometimes, these discs will bulge out of place and press on a nerve. Although physicians believe that a ruptured or bulging disc may be the original source of pain, this type of injury is also common among people who have no back pain at all, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that results from a disc problem, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Compression of the nerve that leads to the leg results in the hallmark shock-like or burning low back pain that travels through the buttocks and down one leg below the knee. In extreme cases the pinched nerve will affect function, resulting in loss of motor skills. This condition can also be caused from a tumor, cyst, degeneration of the nerve root or metastatic cancer.
Arthritis
According to the Mayo Clinic, pain and degeneration associated with osteoarthritis can affect the hips, hands, knees and lower back. Alone, this degeneration can affect back pain, both directly and indirectly. Directly, the arthritis can lead to narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, called stenosis. This affects the nerves leading out of the back. Indirectly, pain in the hip or knee can cause limping, placing more stress on the opposite side of the body leading to pain in the back.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that results from significant bone loss. This loss can eventually lead to compression fractures of the wrist, hip and spine. According to Mayo Clinic physicians, compression fractures in the spine can cause back pain. As the bones become brittle and porous, the potential for fractures increases.
Extraspinal Disorders
According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, back pain can also originate from areas outside of the back muscles and ligaments. Acute and sudden back pain can result from an aortic aneurysm, aortic split, vertebral artery split, heart attack or meningitis. More chronic back pain can result from some gastrointestinal disorders, pelvic disease, lung disease or infections of the urinary tract.
