Back pain is one of the most common things people suffer from. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move. It can start quickly if you fall, or lift something too heavy, for example. It can begin slowly in less traumatic cases and may worsen if not targeted properly. Pain of any kind should never be ignored; it’s our body’s way of telling us that something is wrong. Back pain could be caused by an array of different reasons. Now, if it is such a common problem, are some people more susceptible to it than others? Here are top five everyday causes of back pain.

• Getting older. That’s right, the all-time classic age problem. As we all know, back pain is more common the older you get. It is likely you will have your first symptoms as you reach your late 30s to early 40s.
• Being overweight. Too much weight can stress the back and cause pain. If you are overweight, this is a problem that should be addressed and carefully monitored.
• Diseases or conditions. There are inherited diseases that can cause back pain; disc disease is an example of this. Other diseases that are not inherited like some types of arthritis and cancer can also cause back pain.
• Your job. If you have a job that involves hours of sitting or standing in one position or one that makes you repeat a certain movement for a long period of time the tendency towards back pain in the medium term increases significantly. So, one cause of back pain can be attributed to the sort of profession you work in. Typically, they are all sedentary jobs in which you work in one position almost all the time. The other case is with jobs that involve your doing repetitive movements using the same muscle groups for a long time. The aspect that increases the tendency towards back pain is that except for specific muscle groups, other muscle groups are not exercised at all. Because of all this, great stress is suffered by the back muscles. Unless you have the adequate back support you might be in for some trouble. Also, good seat support is stupendous to help keep pain at bay.
• Poor physical fitness. Back pain is more common in people who are not fit. As mentioned before, insufficient exercise of some muscle groups can affect your back.

It is always a good idea to bear in mind that the important symptoms of back pain, namely,

• continuous aching, pain or stiffness around spine, neck, or hips,
• sharp pain in the neck, or back after lifting heavy materials, or
• chronic ache in the lower back after sitting or standing for long periods,
• can be successfully treated to prevent serious complications, if addressed in time.

Back pain affects many, if not all of us at some point in our lives. And though most cases are not severe enough to require any kind of specialized medical treatment, the discomfort people feel can, in some cases, be terrible. Many wonder whether there is something they can do to prevent back pain in the first place. Well, the answer is, yes. Here are some of the most effective ways to avoid it.

• Sufficient exercise. Exercise is important for a number of different reasons. Exercising often will enable you to keep your back muscles strong. Your abdominal muscles and back muscles work together in order to give your spine support and strength. By building up muscular strength and flexibility in your hips and thighs, you can maintain good pelvic bone alignment. Regular exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling allow your muscles to function better. Also, good posture and regular exercise help minimize chronic back conditions. Remember to consult your doctor before you start a new exercise routine you are not accustomed to. Keep in mind however, that while regular exercise is great, it is important not to strain your back.
• Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if you are overweight. Being overweight is simply unhealthy at many levels. To have strong bones, you need to consume enough calcium and vitamin D every day. Maintain a healthy diet in order to maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, it puts a tremendous strain on the back muscles. Losing weight can make a dramatic difference to back pain and discomfort.
• Lifting heavy things. Try to stand up straight and avoid heavy lifting when you can. If you do lift something heavy, make sure you do it carefully. Bend your legs and keep your back straight. Poor lifting and carrying techniques are the most common and most avoidable causes of back injury and pain. Never carry loads that are too heavy. If you think you may have trouble lifting something, get help. Don’t risk back injury.
• Proper support. Chairs need good back support. Use chairs that are at the right height. Straining to get on or off a chair, especially if you have to twist the spine into strange positions, can cause discomfort and injury. Ergonomically designed chairs are best. Where mattresses are concerned, it is important to get one that provides enough back support. Get a medium-firm mattress rather than a very firm mattress. Use pillows to support the neck, but beware they do not push your head and neck into odd angles.