Your back is a complex structure composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons or discs. The discs are like cushions cartilage that act as cushions between the segments of your spine. Back pain can be caused by problems with one of these components. In some people, no specific cause for their back pain exist.
Strains
Back pain occurs most often:
As the muscles and tendons
Improper or heavy lifting
After a clumsy lunge
Sometimes a muscle spasm can cause or be associated with back pain.
Structural problems
In some cases, back pain can be caused by structural problems, such as:
Bulging or rupture discs. The discs are cushions between the vertebrae of the spine. Sometimes, a soft material inside the disc can bulge out of place or rupture and press the nerves. But still many people who have bulging or herniated disc experience no pain from this condition.
Sciatica. If a herniated or bulging disc pressing the main nerve that runs down the leg, can cause sciatica - sharp, shooting pain through the buttocks and the back of the leg.
Arthritis. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the hips, hands, knees and lower back. In some cases, arthritis of the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space surrounding the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Skeletal irregularities. Back pain can occur if the curves of the spine in a different way. If the natural curves of the spine become exaggerated, your upper back may look abnormally rounded or your lower back may arch excessively. Scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves to one side, but it can also lead to back pain.
Osteoporosis. Compression fractures of the vertebrae of the spine can occur if your bones become porous and fragile.
A rare but serious condition
In rare cases, back pain may be related:
Syndrome of the cauda equina. This is a serious neurological problem that affects a package of nerve roots that serve the lower back and legs. It can cause weakness in the legs, numbness in the "saddle" or groin, and loss of bowel control or bladder.
Cancer of the spine. A tumor of the spine can press on a nerve, causing back pain.
Infection of the spine. If a fever and a tender, warm area accompany back pain, the cause could be an infection.
Strains
Back pain occurs most often:
As the muscles and tendons
Improper or heavy lifting
After a clumsy lunge
Sometimes a muscle spasm can cause or be associated with back pain.
Structural problems
In some cases, back pain can be caused by structural problems, such as:
Bulging or rupture discs. The discs are cushions between the vertebrae of the spine. Sometimes, a soft material inside the disc can bulge out of place or rupture and press the nerves. But still many people who have bulging or herniated disc experience no pain from this condition.
Sciatica. If a herniated or bulging disc pressing the main nerve that runs down the leg, can cause sciatica - sharp, shooting pain through the buttocks and the back of the leg.
Arthritis. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the hips, hands, knees and lower back. In some cases, arthritis of the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space surrounding the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Skeletal irregularities. Back pain can occur if the curves of the spine in a different way. If the natural curves of the spine become exaggerated, your upper back may look abnormally rounded or your lower back may arch excessively. Scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves to one side, but it can also lead to back pain.
Osteoporosis. Compression fractures of the vertebrae of the spine can occur if your bones become porous and fragile.
A rare but serious condition
In rare cases, back pain may be related:
Syndrome of the cauda equina. This is a serious neurological problem that affects a package of nerve roots that serve the lower back and legs. It can cause weakness in the legs, numbness in the "saddle" or groin, and loss of bowel control or bladder.
Cancer of the spine. A tumor of the spine can press on a nerve, causing back pain.
Infection of the spine. If a fever and a tender, warm area accompany back pain, the cause could be an infection.
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