There are many reasons that a person’s back begins to hurt. The cause of the back pain could stem from the spine itself, the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spine, and other organs that can develop a pain that radiates to the back. Back pain can also be caused by a compressed or pinched nerve, that can cause numbness or weakness which progresses down through one leg and even into the foot. Figuring out where the pain is originating from will probably be one of the first steps in determining the cause of back pain that a patient is complaining of. Once the cause of the back pain has been pinpointed, effective treatment plans can be considered.

Causes of Simple Back Pain

Simple back pain is a common complaint of people between the ages of 35 and 50. This type of back pain can come and go, and is often dependent on the level and type of activity that the patient engages in. Some of the triggers for simple back pain include poor posture, standing or sitting improperly for long periods, carrying loads that are too heavy, or an event like tripping or falling that causes strain or injury to the back and surrounding muscles. One of the best treatments for simple back pain is activity and exercise, since a strong back is a much healthier one.

Problems within the Spine

There are also causes of back pain that originate with the spinal column. These can include a herniated disc or a slipped disc, which occur when one of the discs in the vertebrae fall out of alignment or begins to bulge. The result of either of these processes can result in inflammation and pressure on certain nerves around the spinal column and can lead to pain and discomfort. There is also a condition called spinal stenosis, in which the vertebrae can become constricted as a result of the aging process. This can lead to pain and stiffness in the back, especially in the morning or after sitting in one position for a long period of time. Spinal causes of back pain can usually be diagnosed through x-rays at your doctor’s office.

More Serious Causes of Back Pain

Although very rare, there are some more serious causes of back pain, such as infections and tumors. Because of this, it is always a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of your back pain before beginning any sort of treatment program. Sometimes there is no cause for back pain that can be discovered. In this case, the symptom of back pain can be treated and in most cases alleviated or eliminated in time.