Causes of Back Pain: An Overview

It is important to note that back pain is a symptom of a medical condition, not a diagnosis itself. Medical problems that can cause back pain include:

 

• Mechanical problems
• Injuries
• Acquired conditions and diseases
• Infections and tumors
• Stress.

 

A mechanical problem is a problem with the way your spine moves or the way you feel when you move your spine in certain ways. Perhaps the most common mechanical cause of back pain is a condition called intervertebral disc degeneration, which means that the discs located between the vertebrae of the spine are breaking down with age. As the discs deteriorate, they lose their cushioning ability, which can lead to pain if the back is stressed. Other mechanical causes of back pain include spasms, muscle tension, and ruptured discs, which are also called herniated discs.

 

Spine injuries, such as sprains and fractures, can cause either short-lived or chronic back pain. Sprains are tears in the ligaments that support the spine, and they can occur from twisting or lifting improperly. Fractured vertebrae are often the result of osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes weak, porous bones. Although not as common, back pain may be caused from more severe injuries that result from accidents and falls.