What causes back pain

What causes back pain?

The human spine is a sophisticated assembly comprising bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and discs. Back pain can arise from issues or conditions affecting any of these elements. Sometimes, the root cause of back pain may not be readily identifiable. Explore further to understand some potential triggers of back pain.

Strains: This is the commonest cause and back pain due to strain can occur due to:

Muscle and/or ligament strain, heavy lifting, and sudden awkward movements or postures can contribute to back pain. Additionally, structural issues such as disk or spine abnormalities, including bulging or ruptured disks, may lead to discomfort. Sciatica, stemming from nerve compression due to disk problems, can cause sharp pain extending from the buttock to the leg. Arthritis, particularly in the spine, can result in spinal stenosis, narrowing the space around the spinal cord and potentially causing pain that radiates to the legs. Skeletal irregularities like exaggerated spinal curves or scoliosis can also be culprits. Osteoporosis, characterized by decreased bone density, can lead to compression fractures in the vertebrae.

Although rare, serious conditions such as cauda equina syndrome, spinal cancer, or spinal infections can also trigger back pain.

If back pain persists or worsens after a few days, seeking medical advice is advisable. A doctor can conduct tests to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.