Millions of people everyday are suffering with different types and degrees of back pain. The cause is not always easy for physicians to diagnose. The spine is the central hub for a person’s movement and nerve activity. A pinched nerve in the middle of your back can adversely and directly affect the entire lower half of your body. It is very important to correctly determine the back pain cause; if your doctor can find the needle in the spinal haystack, then treatments can be discussed and implemented.

The cause of back pain can be for many reasons; overexertion of movement and activities that leads to a pulled muscle, herniated and other disc trouble, arthritis, and even other degenerative medical problems. Sometimes these issues are easily flexible, but sometimes it is more serious and may require surgery and long term therapy.

The Usual Suspects

Probably the most common back pain cause is what is known as a lumbar muscle strain. You play one too many games of racquetball, or you lift something heavy improperly and the fast lady has sung for the day. And usually several days after the incident as well. The good news is that it will mend; take a pain reliever, use an ice pack, and take easy for a while. This is also a popular lower back pain cause, mostly from incorrect lifting.

Another culprit in back pain cause is a herniated disc. Spinal discs are like pillows that sit between the vertebrae; they are your back’s shock absorbers. Though very elastic and soft during the younger years, studies have shown that discs become more rigid as a person ages. You may have the heart and spirit of someone half your age, but your back knows the truth. Your discs are more fragile past forty years of age, and very susceptible to injury.

Osteoporosis is a major cause of back pain in older women and men. Women especially experience calcium loss as they age. The bones become thin and brittle, and can break with even minimal impact. This condition is not like arthritis in which the cartilage between bone joints is worn away, but rather the bones’ inability to retain its strength and support the body’s weight.

Many doctors liken back pain to a glacier floating in the water; it may appear to be small on top, but no one can see what is beneath the surface. The best way to avoid an even bigger injury is to schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you feel pain. X-rays and other tests can be very helpful in determining your condition.