by Sophia Ryzhikov

Created on: February 15, 2009

Back pain is usually caused by minor injury, overexertion or natural wear and tear of the back muscles and ligaments. This is most likely because back supports much of body's weight, and is under stress from movement, but can also be from a disease of the spine or the bones surrounding the spine. An acute pain is usually a sudden sharp back pain caused by lifting or moving heavy objects, and is due to a strain. This can be due to an herniated disc, or aggravated activity following the injury. The pain usually subsides after 2-15 days.

Chronic back pain is more persistent, and usually results from poor posture, or from excessive muscle strain due to stress. Back pain can also be caused by pregnancy because of the extra weight of the baby. There are several painful conditions that affect the back. Osteoarthritis causes chronic back pain in adults over 45 years of age, while ankylosing spondylitis occurs with higher frequency in younger men. Nerve roots can become compressed due to a prolapsed or herniated disk, exerting pressure on a spinal nerve. Another type of back pain is sciatica, which is a severe pain that radiates down the back and the legs.

Back pain may come from the bone surrounding the spine, or from the organs in the abdominal cavity next to the spine. Certain cancers spread to the bone, causing pain. If an organ in the abdominal cavity is involved, it causes pain in the lower back, or it might cause referred pain that is felt in the back.

Back pain might be a sharp, acute pain in the small area of the back. It can also be a more general, aching pain that is more spread-out, and made worse by sitting in one place. Sciatica pain is usually sharp, and radiates to the lower back, leg and foot. Once the cause of the pain is found by the doctor upon physical examination and MRI and CT scans to rule out any underlying diseases, then a treatment plan can be determined.

Sometimes an aspirin or ibuprofen (NSAIDs) will relieve the pain, and a heating pad or ice placed against the back may provide significant relief. If you experience severe back pain, it will be important to rest in bed for several days. If the pain doesn't subside, consult your physician. When the pain is reduced, try to pay attention to your posture. Be careful not to strain your back when lifting heavy objects. Also, doing regular exercises will strengthen the muscles of your back and of stomach.

In case of more severe or chronic back pain, and if NSAIDs are not effective in reducing back pain, you might need physical therapy, or local injections of anesthetic in the nearby area. Your physician will then closely monitor your progress in relieving your back pain.

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