Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can occur for no apparent reason, and your doctor may not be able to diagnose it with a simple test or imaging study. These medical conditions are frequently associated with back pain:

The strain on the muscles or ligaments. Back muscles and spinal ligaments can be strained by repeated heavy lifting or an awkward movement. Having a weak physical condition can lead to painful muscle spasms if you are on your back all day.


Disks that are swollen or ruptured may be dangerous. The disks in your spine serve as a kind of cushion between the vertebrae. A disk's soft interior can swell or rupture, putting pressure on a nearby nerve. However, a ruptured or bulging disk does not always cause back pain. When you have a spine X-ray for some other reason, you may find out you have disk disease by chance.


Arthritis. The lower back can be affected by osteoarthritis. Spinal stenosis, which occurs when the space around the spinal cord narrows due to arthritis, can occur in some people.


Osteoporosis. Bones that become porous and brittle in the spine can cause painful fractures in the vertebrae.


Back pain can affect anyone, including children and teenagers. Your risk of developing back pain may be heightened by the following factors:


Age. Age 30 or 40 is when back pain becomes more common, depending on your genetic predisposition.


Lack of physical activity is a problem. Back pain can be caused by weak or unused muscles in the back and abdomen.


Unhealthy levels of body fat. Having a large frame puts additional strain on your back.


Diseases. Back pain can be exacerbated by certain forms of arthritis and cancer.


Lifting that isn't done correctly. Back pain can result from relying on your back instead of your legs when you're exercising.


Psychiatric disorders. Back pain appears to be more common in people who are depressed or anxious.


Smoking. Back pain is more common in smokers. Coughing more when you smoke increases your risk of herniated disks. It's been shown that smoking decreases spinal blood flow, which puts you at greater risk of osteoporosis.


How to Prevent 


Improve your physical condition and learn and practice proper body mechanics to avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence.


Maintaining a healthy and strong back requires the following steps:


Exercise. It is possible to increase the strength and endurance of your back muscles by engaging in low-impact aerobic activities on a regular basis that do not strain or jolt them. Exercises such as walking or swimming are both viable options. Find out from your doctor which exercises you should avoid and which ones you should try.


Improve your flexibility and strength by working on your muscles. To make these muscles work together like a natural corset, do abdominal and back muscle conditioning exercises that help strengthen your core.


Be sure to keep a healthy weight in mind. Obesity puts additional strain on the back's muscles. To avoid back pain, people who are overweight should lose weight.


Stop using tobacco products. Smoking increases the likelihood of suffering from low back pain as a result of an injury. Tobacco use increases the risk, so quitting should help lower it.