Almost 90 percent of all people will experience back pain in their lifetime for one reason or another. According to Spine Universe, it is the second most common reason people visit their doctor. Most low back pain is due to overuse of muscles or improper function in the spine, but there are some very serious causes of low back pain that need appropriate treatment. Any low back pain that is recurring or does not resolve on its own within a few days, is accompanied by numbness or tingling needs to be diagnosed by a chiropractor or family doctor.
Muscle Strain
Muscles can be strained by quick stressful movement, such as lifting in poor form or as may happen in an accident. Most muscle strains will resolve within a few days. Physical therapy is often helpful in reducing recovery time. Sprain and strains can usually be avoided by warming the muscles up and stretching before any exercise or lifting and by keeping the abdominal and back muscles strong.
Disc Herniation
Varying levels of disc degeneration and herniation can cause back pain and is often accompanied by sciatic pain. As the disc is pushed out of its normal confines, it can cause inflammation which will irritate the sensitive lumbar nerve roots, causing burning pain. It can also put direct pressure on these nerve roots causing radiculopathy.
Spinal Irregularities
Some individuals may be born with congenital defects, such as spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal is too narrow for the spinal cord or they may develop abnormalities such as scoliosis. A common abnormality that is caused by poor posture is a change in the normal curve of the back. Either an increased or decreased curve puts extra stress and strain on the back structures and can lead to pain.
Degeneration
Degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis, can cause breakdown of the joints in the spine and lead to pain. Osteophytes or bone spurs are common outgrowths of normal bone that can put pressure on a nearby nerve or other soft tissue causing local or radiating pain.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones lose minerals and density making them brittle and subject to fracture. Often an individual with osteoporosis will not even know they have fractured a vertebra, but will have a severe bout of back pain. X-rays can determine if a fracture is present.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes a great amount of additional stress on the pelvis and back and very frequently causes low back pain for the mother. Stretching and exercise can help prevent and treat some of the pain caused by pregnancy. Your doctor can help you know which exercises will be beneficial.
Internal Conditions
There are quite a variety of conditions that occur within the internal organs that can cause back pain. Kidney problems, cancer, tumors and abdominal aortic aneurysms can all mimic typical back pain. These conditions can all be life-threatening and are why all back pain needs to be properly diagnosed.
