It is estimated that four out of five adults suffer from back pain at least once during their lifetime. Although common, most backache is usually self-limiting and not serious.

Further Investigation

The main factor is to decide whether the back pain is serious and warrants further investigation. Some symptoms that may indicate serious problems include ongoing pain which may be increasing in nature such as weakness in the upper body, limbs or bladder dysfunction (urinary incontinence).

The back is made up of the vertebral column which consists of bone, muscles, ligaments, the spinal cord and nerves that emerge from the spinal cord. Back pain may arise from any one of these structures’ bone. The bone, muscle, and ligament tissues are termed spondylitides and abnormalities of these tissues are termed ‘spondylitis’.

Some Common Causes of Back Pain Related to the Spondylitides

• Backsprain. Back sprain, a common cause of backache, is associated with ill-advised manoeuvres or poor lifting, which causes muscle or ligament injuries. Treatment of this usually entails a brief period of rest followed by a gradual return to normal activities. Analgesia such as Panado or Brufen may aid in the relief of symptoms. It is best to consult your doctor to exclude any significant pathology.
• Mechanical back pain. The cause of mechanical back pain is unknown. Suggested reasons include disc degeneration (the disc is the ‘cushion’ between the vertebral bones), which may lead to increased loading and result in arthritis of the vertebral joints. Recurrent episodes of back pain are the norm for this condition. No known cure for mechanical back pain exists but although the condition is chronic, it does not deteriorate. Judicious use of rest, physiotherapy and medication will help relieve the pain.
• Spondylolisthesis. The term refers to the slippage of one vertebral bone relative to another and is commonly seen in the lower spine region or lumbar spine. A person may present at any age, including infancy. The main symptom is lower back pain almost identical to mechanical back pain. Management includes a spinal support that offloads the spine by increasing abdominal pressure, analgesics or surgery.
• Ankylosing spondylitis. This is a rare disease affecting men in early adulthood and usually presenting before 30. A person will present with general back pain, tiredness and malaise; early morning stiffness is common. Treatment usually includes pain relief and maintenance of a good posture.

Spinal Bones

The spinal bones are supported by a circular disc-like formation of tissues that are filled with a jelly-like substance. If more pressure is applied to the spinal bones it can result in swelling, tearing or rupture of the tissue disc, which can then cause pressure on the surrounding nerve leading to pain in the back, neck and lower part of the body.

This is known as a slipped disc. Sometimes a person may experience complete or partial numbness in the parts above and below the affected area. In some cases the lower part of the body becomes weak.

The Causes of Slipped Disc

A slipped disc is usually the result of improper bending habits, an accident which might cause direct or indirect pressure on the spinal cord, improper lifting, frequent and improper turning and twisting of the back.

These cause high pressure and strain in the spine, which can all result in a slipped disc. In addition to medication or surgery, exercise is one of the most effective ways to soothe this condition and control pain.

Other Factors    

Other factors that may contribute towards back pain include psychological stressors, osteoporosis and more sinister causes, such as a tumour in or around the spinal cord. Abnormal curvatures of the spine, such a scoliosis which is a condition where the spine abnormally rotates and curves from side to side or kyphosis that gives a rounded appearance to the back, may also result in back pain.

Back Pain Relief

The good news is that back pain relief exercises help most people. One of the best exercises recommended for back problems is yoga. Yoga increases the skeletal and muscle strength of the back while correcting the problems. It also builds up the abdominal muscles, and allows nutrients to the affected part to increase the speed of recovery. Yoga and similar stretch exercises also prevent the recurrence of pain.

Back pain relief exercises are accompanied by physical therapy treatments like massage, application of heat, ice or acupuncture therapy. It is also important to prevent back ache and a good calcium and protein based nutrition is at the basis of a sturdy back. Along with this, it is essential to wear the correct height of heel for your shoes as stilettos can be a major cause of back pain. The correct posture, proper methods of lifting and bending may all contribute towards preventing back pain.