What Causes Back Pain?

Unfortunately, we don't pamper our precious backs as we do our skin or hair or nails. We should. Back pain is said to affect at one time or another up to 80% of the population. It is estimated that four out of five adults under the age of 45 will experience some sort of back pain in their lives. Back pain is said to be the second most common cause of people taking time off from work (the first being the common cold).

These are horrifying statistics for a disorder that is often simply due to bad back health.

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.

At its worse, back pain may be debilitating, an unbearable agony that can leave a sufferer bed-ridden, experiencing nausea, vomiting and even fever. Back pains may be temporary (e.g., caused by pregnancy or as a symptom of another disorder), permanent (e.g., caused by a spinal disorder) or sporadic (e.g., caused by bad posture).

Often, those who have experience a traumatic back injury suffer from emotional stress. Depression is common among those who have been placed on bed rest for an extended period of time, and is also found in people whose life style has changed significantly because of their pain.

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.

-- Arthritis is a very common cause of back pain. Athletes and the elderly suffer this the most.

-- Accidental injury, which may be treatable for short or long term.

-- Work related muscle stress, which may be caused by stooping or slouching as you work.

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

-- Inherited diseases, or diseases you are born with, can cause a life time of pain. One example would be scoliosis.

-- Back pain can be the result of diseases as well as infections. Gall bladder infections, kidney disease, pancreatitis, as well as many others will cause discomfort.

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.

About The Author:

The author: Molly Cardella has started the Cure Back Pain site. Find out useful info on back pain remedies and more from her website.

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