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Back Pain and its Causes

by: MollyCardella
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Word Count: 494

Unfortunately, we don't pamper our precious backs as we do our skin or hair or nails. We should. Back pain is said to affect at one time or another up to 80% of the population. It is estimated that four out of five adults under the age of 45 will experience some sort of back pain in their lives. Back pain is said to be the second most common cause of people taking time off from work (the first being the common cold).

What are some characteristics of this surprisingly common condition?

Some describe their back pain as a dull ache, while say others say it's a sharp, stabbing pain. Some describe it as a feeling of stiffness or numbness.

Some injuries and illness can leave you in so much pain that you are immobile, while other minor injuries can simply cause a mild pain. Severe back pain that is accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated by a professional, who can help you determine the proper treatment.

Whatever the cause, sufferers all agree that back pain results in physical and emotional difficulty. Unfortunately, back pain is a vicious cycle. Back pain, in and of itself, creates more back pain. Sufferers have poor posture, stooping over to alleviate some of the pain. This poor walking creates more back pain, making the problem worse.

What are some causes?

-- Back pain experienced by the aged is, unfortunately, part and parcel of the aging process. This type of back pain may be caused by any of a number of back disorders, e.g., spinal stenosis.

-- Temporary back pain is caused by temporary conditions, such as the flu or a pregnancy. It can also be brought on by a psychological condition, such as stress.

-- Arthritis is a very common cause of back pain. Athletes and the elderly suffer this the most.

-- A sports injury or car accident may cause back pains. Lumbar sprains and strains or vertebral fractures may result in local, specific back trauma.

-- Poor posture is perhaps the leading culprit of back pain. Those who work manual labor for a longtime can suffer, as well as can those that perform occupations that require sitting or standing for long periods of time, such as secretaries and office jobs.

-- Back pain as a result of infection around the brain or spinal cord. This type of back pain will resolve itself as the illness is treated.

-- Congenital back pain may be caused by certain inherent diseases (those a person may be born with, e.g., curvature of the spine).

-- Back pain may be a symptom of a number of diseases, including kidney disease, gall bladder infection, etc.

The good news is that back pain can usually be completely cured by diagnosing the root cause of the back problem, especially in the case of disease or injury. In the case of degenerative back problems or back pain from bad posture, pain can be eased by conventional or homeopathic methods.