There are various causes of Back Pain. Improper sitting or standing habits. Continuous strain on back or diseases like Arthritis, Osteoporosis cause damage to muscles and ligaments in the back. Sometimes, accidents or injuries can also cause the damage. However, in most of the cases, it can be treated with the help of medicines and good changes in lifestyle. If the pain doesn't reduce within 72 hours of self care. It is necessary to seek medical help. Usually no surgery is needed to ease the pain.

Quick medical consultation is necessary if this condition occurs for the first time after the age of 50 or follows fall or injury. If back pain occurs in combination with abdominal pain and fever, there is a cause for concern.

Symptoms:-

*Pain radiating down to legs
*Inability to bend the back or stand up straight
*Muscle pain
*Stabbing or shooting pain
*Limited flexibility
*Difficulty/Pain during movement of back

Causes:-

1.Muscle or ligament strain:-If a person is involved in strenuous activities that put excessive pressure on the back or if there is sudden movement causing muscle spasm, possibility of tearing of muscles and ligaments increases.
2.Disc damage: - Discs act as cushions between vertebrae in the spine. If these discs got generated, the fraction between these bones increases. In some cases, the material inside these discs may bulge or rupture and cause pressure on surrounding nerves.
3.Arthritis: Arthritis can cause spinal stenosis-a condition characterized by narrowing of space around the spinal cord. Osteoarthritis can cause pain in lower back
4.Skeletal irregularities: - Curving of spine in abnormal way can cause back pain. In a condition known as Scoliosis, the spine is curved at the side. If Scoliosis is severe, pain is experienced.
5.Osteoporosis: In this disease, bones in the body become porous and brittle thus increasing the chances of compression fractures of spine's vertebrae.

Risk factors:-

The possible risk factors include overweight, lack of exercise, constant pressure on back and improper lifting of weights. Scientists have not yet been able to determine how these factors are responsible for back damage. In some cases, it is associated with psychological issues like anxiety and depression.

Diagnosis: - Usually no tests are required to confirm the cause of back pain. X-ray, MRI/CT scans, bone scans or EMG tests are performed to assess the cause and extent of injury.

Treatment:-

1.Bed rest
2.Pain relievers like NSAIDs
3.Muscle relaxants
4.Low doses of narcotics and antidepressants
5.Cortisone injection
6.Physiotherapy