Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move. Sometimes a pain may develop immediately after you lift something heavy, or after an awkward twisting movement. Sometimes you may just wake up with low back pain.

Typically, the pain affects one area of the lower back, but sometimes it spreads to the buttocks or thighs. The pain usually eases by lying down flat and is often made worse if you move your back, cough, or sneeze.

Back pain may occur in the upper, middle, or lower back; it is most often experienced in the lower back. It may originate from the bones and ligaments forming the spine, the muscles and tendons supporting the back, the nerves that exit the spinal column, or even the internal organs.

Muscle sprain:

Sometimes you can ‘pull a muscle’ in your back, resulting in a small tear or sprain in your muscle. One may or may not remember the initial event that triggered the muscle spasm.

Arthritis (inflammation of the joints) of the spine:

Osteoarthritis is the common form or arthritis and usually occurs in older people. Ankylosing spondylitis is another form of arthritis that can occur in young adults and causes pain and stiffness in the lower back.

Disc protrusion:

Sometimes the discs between the vertebrae may become weaker and bulge out. In an extreme case this may lead to a prolapsed disc. Sometimes a disc bulges so far out that it puts pressure on the spinal nerves running through your back.

Spinal stenosis:

The spinal column runs through a narrow opening in your vertebrae. If this opening becomes too narrow the nerves may become trapped causing pain.

Collapsed vertebra:

The vertebrae give much of the structural support to the spine but these may become damaged as a result of disease or injury. Severe osteoporosis may result in a vertebra collapsing and by doing so, disturb the surrounding structures.

Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis can cause a number of orthopedic problems and generalized discomfort. Back pain from osteoporosis is most commonly related to compression fractures of the vertebra.

Few other causes of back pain:

• Sitting for long hours in a same posture
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Kidney problems
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Wearing high heeled shoes
• Sleeping in the wrong posture
• Excess physical labor
• Carrying heavy loads, especially in the wrong way

Continuous aching, pain or stiffness around the spine, neck or hips

Sharp pain in the neck, or back after lifting heavy materials

Chronic ache in the lower back after sitting or standing for long periods

When the low back pain is intense or "acute," it usually lasts for a brief period such as a few days to several weeks

Low back pain lasting longer than three months is termed "chronic."

Low back pain may or may not radiate down into the leg

Worsening of pain at times of coughing or sneezing

When your pain or numbness radiates down to one or both legs

When your sleep is disturbed due to the pain

When the pain is creates difficulty for the urine to pass through and having a bowel movement

Losing control over urination and bowel movement due to pain

Fever and chills along with the pain

Severe trauma

Severe leg weakness

Severe abdominal or back pain

Unexplained weight loss

X-rays of spine

CT Scan

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Bone Scan

Myelogram

Bone density test

Do not bend your back or shoulders while picking up something from the ground. Bend your knee and then pick it up. This exercise is helpful in Back pain relief.

People doing sedentary jobs should get up once or stand up after every hour.

Regular exercise and brisk walking keeps our spine muscles strong that help in over all strengthening of our whole vertebral column.

Always be careful of the surface you sleep on, as it can be a major cause of your back ache. Try not to sleep on very hard or not very cozy beds so that your spine gets proper rest.

People suffering from a strained back should rest on plain and stiff mattresses with knees folded at a right angle.

Infrared radiations followed by hot fomentation and alternate sponging helps in providing instant relief from pains.

Shed those extra kilos around your tummy so as to relieve your back from bearing extra pressure.

Abdominal crunches, when performed properly, strengthen abdominal muscles and may decrease the tendency to suffer back pain.
Chairs of appropriate height with good lumbar support are preferable.

To avoid putting stress on the back, comfortable chairs should be used.