Risk Factors of Back Pain: Heredity
Causes of
back pain, including disc disease, may have a genetic component.
Risk Factors of Back Pain: Race
Studies have shown that African-American women are 2 to 3 times more likely than Caucasian women to develop spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra of the lower spine -- also called the lumbar spine -- slips out of place, thus causing back pain.
Risk Factors of Back Pain: Presence of Other Diseases
Risk Factors of Back Pain: Occupational Risk Factors
Having a job that requires heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling -- particularly when this involves twisting or vibrating the spine -- can lead to injury and back pain. An inactive job or a desk job may also lead to or contribute to back pain, especially if you have poor posture or sit all day in an uncomfortable chair.
Risk Factors of Back Pain: Cigarette Smoking
Although smoking may not directly cause back pain, it can increase a person's risk of developing low back pain and low back pain with sciatica. Sciatica is back pain that radiates to the hip and/or leg due to pressure on a nerve. Examples of why smoking may increase a person's risk of developing low back pain include:
- Smoking may lead to pain by blocking your body's ability to deliver nutrients to the discs of the lower back.
- Repeated coughing due to heavy smoking may cause back pain.
- It is also possible that smokers are just less physically fit or less healthy than nonsmokers, which increases the likelihood that they will develop back pain.
- Smoking can slow healing, prolonging pain for people who have had back injuries, back surgery, or broken bones.
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