What Causes Lower Back Pain and the Common Conditions With Back Pain

Back pain is a complaint doctors hear about frequently and is mostly ubiquitous in developed countries. It is the second leading cause of work absenteeism. Studies show that early aggressive treatment of back injuries by a psychiatrist results in quicker recovery and fewer lost work days. Yet the honest truth is that science is uncertain as to what causes it.

Back pain is one of the main symptoms of preterm labor and is the second most common reason for a visit to the physician. By far the most common causes of back pain are "mechanical" caused by disc degeneration, muscle or ligament strain. But can sometimes be caused by a problem with the kidneys.

It is usually more severe than leg pain (sciatica). Sciatica is usually the result of a pinched nerve and occurs when a protruding disc is putting pressure on a spinal nerve. It is pain anywhere in the back form the neck to the low back. Most is related to activity and overuse of the muscles that are in the back.

Pain can also occur acutely during sporting events if a person has an injury during practice or game. But not all low back pain is actually due to a problem in the back, there are occasions when back pain is caused by a problem with the hip joint or musculature. But it can also be caused by fracture, arthritis, disc problems, or bony malalignment.

Back pain is also among the most difficult conditions to diagnose. Because only about 5 percent of cases can be detected with conventional imaging procedures, clinicians attempting to diagnose and treat usually must rely on what patients tell them about the condition. In the U.S., acute low back pain (also called lumbago) is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects the portion of the back known as the lumbar spine, and causes Americans to spend $50 billion annually on treatments. It's also the top reason for disability on the job, and causes a high percentage of absences from work. It is often more common for people who are carrying extra weight and being overweight can make back pain a whole lot worse, as there is a lot more stress on the back. When there is more weight found in the stomach area, this can cause even more stress on the lower back.

The Common Conditions with Back Pain

Common conditions include herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, slipped discs, back sprains, strains and fractures. Commonly, the pain extends from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg past the knee on the affected side, indicating sciatica. Coughing, sneezing, straining, or bending over while keeping the legs straight can trigger the sharp, radiating pain.

When you feel any kind of pain, you would try and consult your doctor as soon as possible because back pain is a major cause of disability in the United States. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is estimated at 60-90%. So make sure you get a checkup as soon as possible.