by Barbara Stanley

Created on: November 20, 2011   Last Updated: January 28, 2012

The back is composed of segments with disks between them. The disk are mostly cartilage and act as cushions. The segments are composed of tendons, ligaments, muscles and bone. The cause of back pain can arise from problems in any of these components or from several. Sometimes, no apparent reason can be found for the pain, making the situation no less painful.

The treatment for back pain often depends on the cause. Inflammation is the most common reason for pain. Finding the cause of the inflammation is usually not a quick and easy process.

Bulging or ruptured discs

The discs act as cushions between vertebrae in the spine. The soft material inside of discs may bulge out of place and press on nearby nerves. This can cause constant, severe pain. For some people, this condition goes unnoticed and causes no pain. If the disk presses on the main nerve that travels down both legs, sharp, shooting pain can be felt through the buttock and back of the leg. The pain is usually felt in one or the other leg, rarely both. This condition is called sciatica. Relief from pain is usually found by reducing the swelling of the bulged discs, getting it off the affected nerves.While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine can bring relief - often within minutes - prolonged use is toxic to the gastrointestinal organs and can cause heart problems in some people, according to Bulging Disc - Treatment. Epidurals are sometimes used on people for who need something more aggressive. This involves an injection of cortisone, a steroid, in the spine, next to the suspected area of inflammation. Doctors will try several methods before using injections due to the long-term possibility of serious complications.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis affects the joints of the hips, hands, knees and lower back. If arthritis gets to the spine, it can cause a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord. This is known as spinal stenosis. Arthritis is wear and tear on the joints, although it can also be brought on by an injury to or around a joint. The cartilage in joints break down, allowing bone to rub against bone. Arthritis in the back can cause a stiff neck and swelling or inflammation in the lower back. When swelling occurs due to over-use or improper lifting, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the swelling and alleviate the pain. Alternating between ice packs and heating pads on the area of most intense pain can bring relief.

 Scoliosis

When the spines curves in an unnatural

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