Low back pain is a very common pain that up to 80% of people experience in their lifetime.

Back pain can be debilitating and affect your ability to work, exercise or enjoy time with friends and family.

However, you can relieve low back pain if you understand why. While it's best to consult your doctor to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain, here are ten common causes of low back pain:

1. Muscle strain

Muscle strain is the most common cause of low back pain. Signs of your back pain may be caused by muscle strain, including stiffness, back cramps, pain that spreads from the lower back to the buttocks, difficulty standing properly, and pain for more than ten days.

Muscle strain is caused by:

- Muscle fatigue

- Excessive use of muscles, such as lifting heavy objects

- Bad attitude

- Contact sports

- Repeated bending or twisting

Applying ice can be based on acute musculoskeletal injuries as it reduces pain, muscle spasms and inflammation. Physical therapy, light massage, stretching and electrical muscle stimulation can also be adopted.

2. Trauma

Unlike other causes that develop over time, back pain caused by trauma is sudden. Trauma that can cause low back pain include:

-Fall

- Car accidents

- Recurrence of sports injuries

- Lifting something too heavy

Ice, light stretching and massage can relieve pain from trauma. Depending on the extent of the injury, the doctor can offer more specific treatment options.

3. Osteoporosis

Weak and fragile bones, a condition called osteoporosis, can break or collapse vertebrae, leading to back pain.
Treatment depends on the severity and progression of your osteoporosis. Options include estrogen therapy, which is commonly used in younger women.

4. Degenerative arthritis

Degenerative arthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and occurs when the cartilage in the joints, including the cartilage in the spine, begins to break down, which can cause back pain.

Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) may be responsible for your back pain if you experience other symptoms such as stiffness, swelling and limited range of motion in your hands, hips or knees.

Medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help manage back pain caused by degenerative arthritis. Long-term physical and occupational therapy can also relieve discomfort.


5. Herniated disc


A herniated disc occurs when a jelly-like center of the intervertebral disc pushes through the outer shell. It can cause pain not only in the lower back, but also in the buttocks, thighs or legs. Other symptoms include numbness throughout the body and muscle weakness.

A herniated disc can be caused by:

- Flexibility decreases as you age

- Tighten the back muscles instead of the legs

To overcome this pain, bending as frequently as it is comfortable, stabilizing exercises can be adopted, and pain and inflammation treatments, such as taking anti-inflammatories, can be used.


6. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which a person has been experiencing muscle pain for at least three months in multiple parts of the body. Researchers believe this is due to increased pain sensors in the brain. In addition to back pain, it can also cause mild pain in the buttocks, shoulders, and legs.

Over-the-counter pain medications and prescription antidepressants, along with physical and occupational therapy, may help relieve fibromyalgia pain.

7. Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the vertebrae in your back and possibly other joints. It causes severe pain and stiffness in the back and sometimes other areas of the body, such as hips, ribs and hands.
Cases of ankylosing spondylitis can vary from person to person, but physical therapy, ice, heat, pain relievers and posture exercises may relieve pain.

8. Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when one or more spaces in the spinal canal narrow. This narrowing irritates or compresses the spinal cord and nerves, causing back pain ranging from mild to sciatica. Spinal stenosis is usually caused by osteoarthritis and usually occurs in the neck or lower back.

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and physiotherapy can be adopted, which are common ways to relieve spinal stenosis pain. More severe cases may require steroid injections.

9. Multiple myeloma or as it is known as multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects blood cells in the bones, which accelerates the breakdown of bones, especially those in the spine. This can cause back pain due to fractures. Signs of multiple myeloma also include fatigue, increased urination and frequent inflammation.
Pain medications, radiation therapy and surgery to support bones can help relieve back pain caused by multiple myeloma.

10. Deformity of the spine

Spinal deformities prevent the spine from functioning properly and can cause low back pain. Types of spinal deformities include:

- Scoliosis, when the spine bends to the side.

- Kyphosis, when the upper back rotates excessively.

- Spondylolisthesis, when the vertebrae move excessively.

- Bows, when the lower spine bends more than usual.

Treatment for spinal deformities includes physical therapy, strength training and wearing a back brace.

Source: Business Insider