Are you among the thousands of Americans who suffer from back pain? If so, then this information will be useful for you. The back is made up of 33 vertebrae, more than 30 muscles, ligaments, joints, and discs. Any and all of these are subject to injury. One of the most common medical problems both patients and doctors have to deal with is back pain. The number one cause of back pain is poor posture. Since we spend most of our day sitting, this can be corrected with posture and back support. However, there are serious injuries that could also be at the root of severe back pain. Given that chronic back pain can be difficult to treat, an overview of the most common injuries will help you prevent it.

• Muscular strains: This occurs when tears appear in some of the many muscles that we have in our backs. These tears are produced by unexpected twists, force, or pulls applied to the muscles.
• Ligamentous sprains: These take place when the ligaments in the back are stretched more than they should be. Ligamentous sprains may go hand in hand with muscular strains.
• Herniated disc: The spinal nerves in our backs exit the spinal cord. A herniated disc is caused when these nerves are compressed at this exit. This may be the result of working with constant vibratory motion (truck drivers or machine users) or lifting heavy objects incorrectly.
• Spinal stenosis: This is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal. It is most common in people over 50. It has many causes, one of which is the thickening of the ligaments along the spinal canal, bony spurs, and enlarged joint cartilage.

Now that we have seen the most common causes of back pain, let’s have a look at some of the treatments available to help ease such ailment.

Most people avoid back pain by simply avoiding any kind of strain on their backs. Other options are supports, ice, heat, stretching exercises, and medication.

There are some red flags which may indicate a problem that may need special attention from your medical provider. These are:

• If you have back pain lasting several days
• If the pain is so severe that it wakes you from sleep
• If the back pain affects your control over urine and bowel movements
• If you have fever, chills, or sweats

This article is for informational purposes only. When suffering from back pain, please see your medical provider.