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Back Pain: What Causes It?

If your back hurts, you're not alone. Every day, Americans suffer with everything from slight muscle twinges to almost-crippling pain. In fact, as many as 80 percent of Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives.

Sometimes you know why your back hurts. Perhaps you pulled a muscle playing sports. Or carrying a heavy bag up the stairs. But other times, the cause is less clear. You don't recall injuring yourself. And you can't imagine why you're in pain.

What's causing your back pain?
Back pain can occur anywhere along your spine. Your lower back tends to hurt more because it carries the greatest weight. It also endures the most stress. Your doctor can help you find the cause of your pain. He or she may do a physical examination order tests or x-rays.

Understanding the cause of your pain is the first step in getting the right treatment. Until you know why you're in pain, your doctor can't decide what treatment is best.

Here are 6 common causes of back pain:

1. Muscle strain or spasms: These are often from overuse. Or a sudden, awkward movement. Swollen joints can also cause spasms. Sometimes they are a protective reaction to prevent further injury.
2. Osteoarthritis: This is most common in people over 60. It is a condition that causes the cartilage in your spine to break down. This cartilage forms the "joints" of your spine. It is similar to the joints in your hands and knees.
3. Osteoporosis: Women over 50 are most likely to have this condition. It can cause brittle bones. In some cases it causes painful compression fractures of the spine.
4. Herniated disks: This condition can put pressure on nerves. At times it can be very painful.
5. Fibromyalgia: This affects muscles and joints. It causes soreness and a lack of flexibility.
6. Injuries: Sports-related injuries or accidents are often the cause of back pain.

Your doctor will help determine less common — but possibly more serious — causes for back pain, which may include:

• Infection
• Tumors
• Spinal stenosis (a congenital condition)
• Ankylosing spondylitis (an unusual type of arthritis that most often affects young men)

Problems in other parts of your body may cause what is known as "referred pain" in your back. This could be from a kidney infection. Or it could have to do with a problem with your uterus. Or your prostate. When you experience "referred pain," your brain mistakenly sends a signal to your back. Keep in mind: while the cause of “referred pain” may not actually be in your back, the pain you feel is real.

What treatment is right for you?
Various treatments are available for back pain. But the treatment depends on the cause of your pain. Treatments may include:

• Medicine
• Massage
• Physical therapy
• Surgery
• “Alternative” remedies such as acupuncture or chiropractic, among others

Work with your doctor to find the cause of your back pain. Then you can create a treatment plan. Whatever the cause and whichever treatment is selected, most people report that they're feeling better within 6 to 12 weeks.

Knowing the cause of your back pain can also help you prevent it from returning. Ask your doctor if an exercise program could help you avoid back pain in the future. The program should be one that builds muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance.

But whatever treatment plan you and your doctor come up with, the most important thing is to stick with it.