If you're suffering from low back pain, you may be tempted to only seek out things to relieve the pain. Although those things may help you in the short term, they may do more harm than good in the long term. If you simply mask the pain, two things are likely to happen.

First, the painkillers can become less effective over time which can lead to increased dosages and possibly to addiction. Second, the cause of your low back pain will still be present and possibly getting worse. If you notice pain in lower back, do not hesitate. Learn the inner workings of your back, including your spinal column and cord, and then investigate the potential causes of your backache. There are various different causes, so what is behind your friend's back pain may not be what's causing yours.

We don't often think about our backs until there is a problem, but the back is actually a very important part of your body. It consists of a very intricate system of muscles, bones and other tissues. The centerpiece of this system is known as the spinal column. The spinal column helps support the weight of your upper body, but that's not all. The most important job your spinal column has is to protect the delicate structure that carries signals to control your body's movement and sensation-feeling ability - the spinal cord. The spinal cord starts at the base of your brain and extends to the middle back, just below your ribcage. The cord sends out small roots through the small spaces between vertebrae to send its messages to the rest of your body. Vertebrae (which are part of the spinal column) is often referred to simply as the "spine." It consists of more than 30 bones that help protect the spinal cord. Between each vertebra are soft, cushiony discs that allow you to move flexibly. Ligaments and tendons help the vertebrae stay in place. They also connect your muscles to the spinal column. So, now that you know a little more about how your back is designed, let's take a look at some lower back pain causes.

With age, often comes a deterioration of muscle tone and bone strength. Unfortunately, we see this throughout our bodies, but it also affects our backs. The discs that cushion our vertebrae start losing fluid. This lessens their ability to be flexible and results in a stiff back. When the vertebrae aren't being properly cushioned, we can't bend or move as easily.

Low back pain right side could be caused by heavy lifting or overstretching that has caused a sprain or muscle spasm. If you're noticing this type of pain, see a chiropractor immediately. If you continue causing stress to this area without treatment, you can cause a disc to rupture, which will cause much more serious back problems. Anything that causes compression and puts pressure on your nerves will not only cause pain, but it can also cause loss of sensation in your lower extremities.

Lower back pain can also be caused by injury or medical conditions. Do not ignore back pain that comes as a result of injury or lasts more than one day. If your back is out of alignment, waiting to consult a chiropractor can cause further damage.

Article Tags: Lower Back, Back Pain, Spinal Column, Spinal Cord