Back pain is the pain that is felt in the back that usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. Back pain may have a sudden onset or can be a chronic pain; it can be constant or intermittent; stay in one place or radiate to other areas.

What is the reason for Back Pain?

Posture - Back pain most commonly results from poor posture. Sometimes it is due to poor body mechanics like standing for extended periods of time or sitting in an incorrect posture. Back injury, heavy physical work, lifting, bending, twisting, or awkward positions might act a precursor to triggering back pain.

Injury - A sudden fall, car crash, or sports injury can cause a sprain or strain. When a back injury occurs, muscles, ligaments, and tendons become over-stretched and swollen up, causing pain, tenderness, and stiffness.

The three common causes of back pain include:

Muscle strains: Strained muscles, tendons or ligaments or inflamed joints may cause pain along your spine.

Osteoarthritis: Old age and injury slowly leads to deterioration of the cartilage. Cartilage is the protective tissue that covers the surface of the joints of the vertebrae.

Osteoporosis: it is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density is reduced.

Symptoms of backache

Most people have experienced back pain sometime in their life. The causes of back pain are numerous; some are self-inflicted due to a lifetime of bad habits. Other back pain causes include accidents, muscle strains, and sports injuries. Although the causes may be different, most often they share the same symptoms.

Symptoms of back pain can include:

� Persistent aching or stiffness anywhere along your spine, from the base of the neck to the tail bone

� Sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back -- especially after lifting heavy objects or engaging in other strenuous activity. (Pain in the upper back can also be a sign of a heart attack or other life-threatening conditions.)

� Chronic ache in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for extended periods

� Back pain that radiates from the low back to the buttock, down the back of the thigh, and into the calf and toes

� Inability to stand straight without having severe muscle spasms in the low back.

Treatment

Back pain treatment goals are pain relief and restored movement. The basic treatment for relieving back pain from strain or minor injury is rest. An ice pack can be helpful, as can aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation. After the inflammation subsides, applying heat can soothe muscles and connective tissue.

Long-term bed rest, which is considered greater than 72 hours, is not only no longer considered necessary for most cases of back pain, it is actually potentially harmful, making recovery slower and potentially causing new problems. In most cases, you will be expected to start normal, non-strenuous activity (such as walking) within 24 hours to 72 hours. After that you should begin controlled exercise or physical therapy. You can prevent further back injury by learning -- and doing -- gentle stretching exercises and proper lifting techniques, and maintaining good posture.

Doing exercises and taking proper medication is a great help for the treatment of back pain.