SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOMS >> BACK PAIN (BACKACHE)

Back pain is a common ailment and becomes more recurrent as people age. Lower back pain is more likely to happen when a person’s physical conditioning is poor and the supporting muscles of the back are weak.

The most common causes of backache are:

1. Muscle strains and ligament sprains - lifting, exercising, moving in an unexpected way
2. Osteoarthritis – deterioration of the cartilage that covers and protects the vertebrae
3. Osteoporosis – bone density decrease, which makes the bones more likely to fracture
4. Ruptured or herniated disk – if a disk is suddenly squeezed by the vertebrae above and below it, the covering may tear and rupture. The soft jelly-like interior of the disk may be herniated.
5. Ankylosing spondylitis – inflaming of the spine and large joints causing stiffness and back pain
6. Having poor posture, lifting incorrectly, being overweight, and being tired also contribute.

The most effective way to prevent low back pain is to exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise and specific muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises can help eliminate the dreaded back pain.