Back pains that appears to have no known cause are called nonspecific back pain. It is most often due to muscle strain from overexertion or strenuous exercise.

The symptoms are very similar to any other types of back discomfort, that can manifest in any region of the back and may extend down to the lower back and buttocks.

This form of back pain is often easily treated using (NSAIDS) - non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. You can buy these over the counter from your local pharmacy or supermarket. You can also use muscle relaxants if you are experiencing spasms. These will require a prescription.

What causes nonspecific back pain?

This is not an uncommon ailment. Millions of people world wide suffer from back discomfort of some form or another, for which there is no rhyme or reason. However, the most commonly known cause is muscle strain.

Other known causes can include:

Pregnancy infection, inflamed nerve, obesity, herniated disc, overworked muscles.

If you gain weight quite quickly, this extra strain can injure your back without you being aware of it being the cause.

Pregnant women often complain of back pain, due the the extra weight of the growing fetus. Likewise, the growing abdomen can change the center of gravity, which will produce back pain. Abdominal muscles have an added function of giving support to the back. If the support is missing or is non effective, back pain can ensue.

A herniated disc can compress nerve roots causing pain in the lower back that can radiate to the extremities, resulting in numbness and tingling.

You should always seek some form of treatment for back pain, especially where it has remained for over two weeks without any real signs of improvement.

Nonspecific back pain usually is of a short duration that can be alleviated with pain medication and rest.

Stretching exercises are also beneficial in getting rid of back discomfort. It can strengthen weakened muscles and reduce discomfort.

How is it diagnosed?

There are a number of tests that can be performed including x-rays, MRI and CT scans. It is not unusual for these tests to reveal nothing and for the back pain to go away within a few days.

Back pain can easily be prevented by learning how to maintain good posture both at rest and when lifting or doing anything physical. You should also exercise to increase mobility and make sure that your weight gain does not place too much stress on your back.