The question “what can cause back pain” is very relevant to the people who are aging; thus, it is very important for people in order to prevent themselves from back pain. Also, it is important for people to understand that back pain is used as a symptom in the medical field, and that it is not a diagnosis itself. Back pain is caused by the following reasons;
Herniated disk, which is a rubber cushion found between the vertebrae, may lead to back pains. This is because as people age the disk may change due to the gradual development. It may have less water, which is always, within the annulus; thus, becoming less stretchy which may cause crack. If it creates the crack then the nucleus will bulge outwards, press the nerves and finally cause the back pain. Also, herniated disk causes pain by compressing the spinal nerves at the location where they exit the spinal column.
The spinal stenosis is mostly the reason that can cause back pain. It may occur to people over the age of fifty years. It is often as a result of narrowing of the spinal canal. It may lead to thickening of ligaments found along the spinal canal which results in back pains.
Spine injuries, which may include sprains and fractures, may cause chronic or even a short-lived back pain. Sprains are tears found within the ligaments which support the spine; however, they may occur from twisting or lifting things improperly. Back pain is for instance caused by more serious injuries which may result from accidents.
Degenerative changes, which are developed in the vertebrae during the process when the spinal disks flattens or becomes less flexible. Without the cushioning, which are normally, provided by the disk, the facets between vertebrae compress against each other. This may cause back pain.
Majority of the medical problems may cause back pain. The medical problems include scoliosis, which is curvature along the spine and does not cause pain in most cases until one is of middle ages. Spondylolisthesis refers to the different forms of arthritis, which includes osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; the two may lead to back pain.
Fibromyalgia is one of the common causes for chronic back pain. It has a rheumatic condition which is characterized by a widespread soft tissue fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and has the presence of an evenly distributed service of tenderness. Pregnancy, kidney infections or stones are the other causes of back pains.
Emotional stress may also play a major role in the nature of the pain, that is if it is severe or how long it may last. Stress may affect the body in different ways, including making back muscles to have pain and become tense.
Osteoarthritis mostly affects the joints found in the spine. It is mostly referred to by scientists as “degenerative joint disease”. Cartilage begins to degenerate in the disk found between vertebrae and also in the joints of the spine. Without the cartilaginous cushion, the bones begin to rub each other. This may lead to inflammation, stiffness and swelling which may cause back pain. In conclusion, what can cause back pain has been summarized as mostly the parts of the back and the old age.