Back pain may occur because the back is made up of a complex structure. The back is held strongly together with bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and disks, which cushion the various segments of the spine. This intricate arrangement can be broken down with a problem in any one area. A sudden wrong movement, trauma or diseases such as arthritis may cause back pain. Sometimes no one ever knows what causes a person's back pain.
Features
Back pain can last for a day, a few days or a few weeks, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Chronic back pain may last for months or longer for some people who may have to rely on long-term medication. Muscle aches or underlying problems such as tendinitis in the shoulder may result in back pain. The pain may be constant or there may be cases of shooting or stabbing pain. Sometimes people who suffer with back pain problems are not able to stand up very long. The pain may cause a limited range of motion in the arms or shoulders.
Strain
People can strain muscles or ligaments that lead to back pain. They may not lift objects properly or they may overestimate their strength and lift objects that are too heavy. Objects should be lifted by bending the knees and squatting to pick the objects up. Back pain can also occur when someone moves suddenly and twists components within the back in a wrong direction.
Trauma
Car accidents can cause back pain for someone who is suddenly jolted from a position. Other stressful movements of the bones and tissues can throw the body out of position and cause back pain. Sports injuries or just working around the house can cause sore muscles and aches that bring on back pain.
Slipped Disks
Bulging or ruptured disks are often culprits when it comes to back pain. Some people are fortunate enough not to experience pain when the disks, which cushion the vertebrae in the spine, go through a structural change and press on a nerve.
Diseases
Osteoarthritis affects the hips, hands, knees and lower back, according to the Mayo Clinic . When arthritis gets into the spine it can cause severe back pain. In some people, the spine curves in an abnormal way leading to pain. Scoliosis causes the spine to curve to the side and causes back pain. Osteoporosis, a bone degenerating disease that often affects people as they age, makes the bones brittle and painful.
Treatment
For temporary back pain, heating pads or pain relievers will work. Bodily movements should be made carefully until the pain is gone. Some people just have to change their posture or the way they move to avoid back pain. Losing weight and exercising regularly can prevent back pain. With severe back pain issues, the underlying causes such as osteoporosis or arthritis need to be treated.
