Your back is a feat of biological engineering. More than 33 vertebrae form the column that runs from skull to tailbone, between each is a cushiony disk, and everything is held together by a web of ligaments and muscles. With all those moving parts, plenty can go wrong.
"Back pain is incredibly common, especially as we age," says Dr. Jeffrey Wood, orthopedic spine surgeon at Houston Methodist. "Fortunately, we can treat most cases of back pain without surgery."
Below are some of the most common causes of back pain.
- Heavy lifting or improper lifting. Repeated lifting or simply an awkward movement, such as during sports exercise techniques, can cause a muscle or ligament strain.
- Bad posture. Sit at a desk all day? If you're hunched over papers or using a chair with little support, your back bears the brunt of it.
- Herniated disk. The vertebrae in your spine are cushioned by disks between each bone. When the soft material inside bulges or ruptures, it can cause pain by pressing on a nerve.
- Scoliosis. Adults experience pain from scoliosis (a sideways curve in the spine) when an existing curve worsens with age or a new curve develops.
- Arthritis. In its most common form, osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down around joints, making movement painful.
- Osteoporosis. The thinning of the bones that occurs predisposes a person to fractures. Compression fractures may cause pain when bones become brittle and porous.
How to get relief from back pain
Minor back problems — primarily those associated with strains or spasms — can successfully be treated at home with a combination of hot and cold compresses, rest and anti-inflammatory medications.
"Although you may be tempted to spend a few days recuperating in bed, movement is actually better for your pain," Dr. Wood explains. "Try to keep up with your regular activities."
If your pain is debilitating, a spine specialist can help determine the source of your discomfort and prescribe a treatment plan that may include medications, physical therapy or injections to relieve pain. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.