A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
   
Back Pain

Back Pain is one of the most common medical ailments affecting more than 80% of individuals at least once during their lives. It accounts for a large number of workday absences and doctor visits.

The back is a complex structure composed of several bones, muscles, nerves, cartilages and other tissues that support every movement made by the body. For this reason, even a slight injury to the back has the potential to inflict highly disabling results.

Back pain may range from being a dull, nagging ache to a sudden, shooting pain. It can be acute or chronic, depending on the duration of the symptoms. Acute pain develops suddenly and intensely and usually lasts for a few days or a few weeks. Chronic pain is recurrent and lasts for more than three months. A subtle movement can incite back pain.

JointEase Plus
Promotes joint and muscular-skeletal system health

Learn More



Causes and Risk Factors

Back pain is typically a symptom of an ailment rather than a symptom of a disease. There are many causes that may contribute to back pain. Sometimes X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, and blood tests cannot reveal the exact cause of the back pain. The primary cause can be attributed to strained back muscles resulting from strenuous activities such as weight lifting, frequent crouching, and sudden movements.

Back pain may also be a result of:

Damage or injury to spinal nerves, bones, or discs
Diseases such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, Scheurmann’s disease, spondylolisthesis, kidney infection or stones, infection of the spine or spine cancer
Degeneration of the discs that may involve herniated or ruptured discs
Poor alignment of the vertebrae that may result from poor posture

The following lifestyle factors may increase the risk of back pain:

Manual labor that involves lifting heavy objects or frequent bending and twisting
Poor posture
Sedentary lifestyle
Low pain threshold
Stress or depression
Pregnancy
Being over the age of 30
Smoking
Lack of adequate physical exercise
Obesity
Menstruation or menopause

Previous
1   2
“GoCures does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.” See additional information
2007 GoCuresLtd, All Rights Reserved