- A human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs and bones, which works together to support the body.
- The spines are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called discs.
- Problems occurring with any of these components can lead to back pain.
- Back ache commonly comes from strain, tension or injury.
- Strain
Recurrent causes of back pain are:
- strained muscles or ligaments
- muscle spasm
- muscle tension
- damaged discs
- injuries, fractures or falls
Activities that lead to spasms include:
- To lift something improperly
- Lifting something that is hefty
- Structural problems
- Ruptured discs: The vertebra in the spine is cushioned by discs. When the disc ruptures pressure on the nerve increases, resulting in back pain.
- Bulging discs: A bulging disc similar to ruptured disc that can result in more pressure on a nerve.
- Sciatica: A sharp shooting pain that travels through the buttocks and radiates down to back of the leg. It is caused by bulging or herniated disc pressing on a nerve.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis causes problems with joints in the hips, lower back, and other regions. In certain cases, the space around the spinal cord narrows and is known as spinal stenosis.
- Abnormal curvature of the spine: Back pain can result, if the spine curves are in an unusual way; for example-scoliosis in which the spine curves to sideways.
- Osteoporosis: Vertebrae of the spine including bones become brittle and porous; it makes compression fractures more likely.
- Kidney problems: Kidney stones or infections can cause back pain.
- Other causes
- Cancer of the spine
- Infection of the spine
- Sleep disorders
- Cauda equina syndrome: It is a bundle of spinal nerve roots that appear from the lower end of the spinal cord.
- Symptoms include-
- dull pain in the lower back and upper buttocks
- Numbness in the buttocks, genitalia and thighs.
- Bowel and bladder functional disturbances.
- Shingles: Infection that affects the nerves may lead to back ache.
- Other infections: Pelvic inflammatory disease, bladder or kidney infections can also lead to back ache.