Back pain appears to be a super disease, which affects the lives of people who are mainly aged 40 and above. Sometimes there is severe back pain and the next minute it is gone, even without doing anything for it. Sometimes, the pain can last longer, leading to panic of various underlying conditions including infections or damage to internal organs and serious conditions including cancer.

Types

Back pain can be classified according to the position of pain � neck, upper back and lower back. Acute, sub-acute and chronic are classifications according to the duration of the condition. Acute is less than 4 weeks, sub acute is pain lasting between 4 and 12 weeks, while the condition lasting more than that is a chronic condition. They are also classified according to the cause of pain � infectious, cancer, osteoporosis, etc.

Causes

There can be several factors leading to back pain. Spinal disc hernia, spinal degeneration, fractures, infection, inflammations and cancer were the causes of pain in different cases.

In most cases, the pain in the back is only is a symptom of appendicitis, kidney diseases, bladder infections, etc. That is, pain arising from other organs appears to be from the vertebral column. Your physician needs to study the various possible reasons while diagnosing you.

Most women experience low back ache. The pain can radiate to other parts of body. Pain can also aggravate during specific hours of the day and because of activities like walking, climbing stairs, bending forward, lifting something, etc.

In addition, hunching while sitting, standing and walking is another reason. The posture puts pressure on the spinal column, which translates into lower back pain. Keeping an erect posture can prevent such condition.

Prevention

Backache related to pregnancy and aging can be easily prevented by adopting proper posture � erect back � while sitting, walking and standing. Practicing meditative postures can also help. Always keeping an erect posture can also help in preventing damages to vertebrae. Also do stretching exercises that relax the spinal column.

Yoga is recommended. It has several exercises that strengthen muscles connected to the spinal cord.

Avoid bending your back. If you want to pick up something from the floor, bend your knees to sit down and pick up the object. This avoids pressure on spinal column.

It doesn't help when there are other conditions like infections (bladder, kidney, etc), osteoporosis and cancer.

Treatments

In some cases, you will find almost immediate relief by simple twisting movements. Physiotherapy is an option commonly prescribed. If it is an acute pain, it is best not to take bed rest.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve inflammations and associated pain. Although such drugs are available over the counter (without prescription), you need to consult your doctor before taking such medicines. If you have chronic back ache (lasting more than 12 weeks), thorough medical investigation is needed. Your doctor will need to check for other underlying causes.

Injections, heat/cold therapies, therapeutic massage, etc are also used for treatment. Sometimes cognitive behavioral therapies also are helpful, as chronic pain interferes with daily activities, work and quality of life.