Chances are at one point in your life or another; you have experienced the discomfort of back pain. Sometimes, it can be just that--a discomfort, but sometimes it can be debilitating and keep a person from being able to perform even the simplest of daily activities. Here are some simple facts about back pain that you may or may not know about.

Back pain is actually one of the most common reasons for people to visit their doctor. Coughs and colds are the biggest reason for a doctor's visit, but pain associated with the back is almost as common an occurrence. This is primarily because there are so many causes that can trigger symptoms. More often than not, it is not just one incident of injury that will afflict an individual.

A multitude of factors can cause back problems. The number one reason for back pain is muscle strains, especially in the lower back. A stretching or tearing of muscle fibers is what is referred to as a strain. A sprain results from ligaments that are torn from where they are attached. Even though these sound like pretty serious injuries, this type of painful episode almost always heal completely within a few weeks.

Another common reason for discomfort is a herniated disc, also known as a ruptured disc. When the cushioning in between the vertebrae of the spine becomes out of place, it pinches the spinal nerves, which are very close by. Electric shock pain down the arms or legs, tingling, and numbness are often the specific symptoms people experience with a herniated disc. Sometimes muscle weakness results from this irritation of the nerves. It is very important to avoid activities that may aggravate the symptoms. This, in addition to applying ice and heat, can be extremely effective in relieving pain symptoms.

Even though arthritis occurs more commonly in joints like the knees and hands, spinal arthritis makes bodily movement painful. Because there are small joints in the spine, arthritis can affect the proper functioning of the spine as a whole. As people age, the elastic cartilage in between joints deteriorates and becomes less resilient and painful bone-to-bone contact can often result.

Another condition more specific to the older portion of the population is spinal stenosis. This is actually very closely related to the effects of arthritis. Constriction of the spinal canal and over-tightening the muscles results in back pain quite often from this condition.

These ailments, in addition to discogenic back pain, disc damage that is not a herniation, and osteoporosis comprise the vast majority associated with back problems.

These are the fundamentals of back pain conditions. If you experience back pain, one of these conditions is most likely the reason why. Unfortunately, there is no magical pill that can be prescribed to cure back pain. Often, it is the right combination of back rest, anti-inflammatory/pain medications, and ice and heat treatments that will provide relief. For very serious conditions, it is critical to get a medical evaluation.