Back pain is the topic of conversation among many adults. Those who work in occupations that require constant sitting or standing may suffer from chronic back pain that seems to be immune to ordinary painkillers. Back pain will affect everyone at some point during their lives. For the most part, pain is temporary and does not require an examination. Yet, millions of people suffer from long-standing pain that interferes with their ability to lead a normal, active life. The severity of back pain is made evident in the fact that 2% of American workers receive disability compensation due to extreme back pain. Several health conditions cause back pain. Some are easily detected and can be corrected. On the other hand, many who suffer from back pain are unable to pinpoint the underlying cause. Back pain is grouped into three categories:

• Acute: Short-term pain, lasting less than three months
• Recurrent: Repeated episodes of back pain
• Chronic: Pain that is continuous for more than three months

Again, several factors trigger back pain. In fact, with so many illnesses and diseases affecting the spinal cord and back muscles, even highly trained back specialist discover that finding an accurate diagnosis of back pain is difficult. There are four common causes of back pain:

• Developmental disorders
• Inflammatory Diseases
• Mechanical Disorders
• Trauma

Of course, there are many other culprits of back pain, such as pain from kidney infections, menstrual cycles, exercise, and so forth. However, pain of this sort is generally mild and will lessen with home treatment.

What are Developmental Disorders?

Developmental disorders are the result of abnormal growth to the skeleton. Scoliosis is a common type of developmental disorder. The human body naturally develops with curves. Curves, which are located in the neck and trunks assist the body with maintaining balance, and properly aligns the pelvis. When spinal curves are abnormal, this results in scoliosis. There are two types of scoliosis. Congenital scoliosis occurs when there is an abnormal formation of the spine 3 to 6 weeks after conception. Idiopathic scoliosis, which affects approximately 2% of the population, generally develops during the adolescent years.

When youths experience a quick and sudden growth spurt, this may result in abnormal twisting of the spine. Additional development disorders include Sacral agenesis and Scheuermann's kyphosis. Individuals suffering back pain due to sacral agenesis have either spine or pelvic bone that did not correctly form. In most cases, this sort of developmental disorder is detected within the first few weeks of life, and treated immediately. This condition affects approximately 1 in 25,000 babies born. Scheuermann's kyphosis is a disease that causes patients to have a hunched-over posture.

To onlookers, it may appear as if a person with this disease simply needs to sit or stand tall. However, this condition is different from poor posture. Individuals living with Scheuermann's kyphosis have abnormalities in their vertebrae, which averts the ability to stand straight. Treatment for this disease generally involves wearing a back brace which is intended to properly align vertebrae, physical therapy to strengthen back muscles, or surgery to repair damage.

What are Inflammatory Diseases?

Osteoarthritis: Also known as degenerative joint disease, this type of arthritis results in a loss of cartilage in any part of the body. Individuals who develop osteoarthritis in their spine generally endure intense back pain. Because arthritis is caused by chronic inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications are effective with relieving discomfort. Osteoarthritis is more common in persons over the age of 60; however, this condition may affect younger adults. Factors that contribute to developing osteoarthritis include hereditary, obesity, and injury.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammation of joints which is classified by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. This form of arthritis can affect any part of the body, including the spine and back muscles. Many have compared the pain of rheumatoid arthritis to someone lighting a match against their skin. This type of arthritis is commonly associated with a burning sensation, pain, and stiffness on both sides of the body.

What are Mechanical Disorders?

Back pain associated with a mechanical disorder occurs when a joint, ligament, or disc is damaged. Humans are extremely active; thus, we are likely to injury our backs unknowingly. Those who engage in contact sports or workout profusely may gradually be harming their body. Back pain may begin as a mild discomfort then erupt into severe pain. There are three common types of mechanical disorders.

Degenerative Disc Disease: As we become older, the discs located in our backs begin to lose its resiliency. Thus, they are less flexible and bendable. This condition is unavoidable. Fortunately, many who develop degenerative disc disease do not experience pain. As the condition worsens, symptoms such as severe back pain, leg pain, and muscle weakness are common.

Herniated Disc: Often called a "slipped disc," herniated disc occur when abnormalities are present in the intervertebral disc. In most cases, the intervertebral disc protrudes beyond the outer coating of ligaments that contain the disc. This process causes moderate back pain; moreover, if the protruding disc bears down on the spine, forceful pain will radiate throughout the entire body.

Sprain Back: This type of back pain generally occurs after an extreme workout or sudden movement. The pain associated with a sprain varies. Some people remain mobile, whereas others must lie down until the pain ceases. When pain develops after strenuous activity, rest is important. Continued movement or exercising may worsen condition, and prolong recovery. Anti-inflammatory medications are very effective for relieving pain or discomfort. In rare instances, those recovering from back sprain my have to undergo physical therapy to strengthen weaken muscles.

What is Trauma?

Trauma to the spine is the most common cause of chronic back pain. In fact, many who suffer from recurrent back pain were injured in work-related or automobile accidents. During an accident or fall, the spine and ligaments shift abruptly. This usually results in immediate and potentially permanent damage. Sprained ligaments and fractures will heal with time. However, an injured spine may never recover. Even after years of taking prescription medication, undergoing physical therapy, and perhaps surgery, many who have sustain spinal cord damage must learn to live with chronic back pain.