Back Pain Basics.

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Injury, wear and tear and the normal ageing process are by far the most common causes of back pain. Muscle sprains and strains In 95 percent of cases of back pain, the cause is linked to the way the bones, ligaments and muscles of your back work together. Although the pain usually comes on suddenly, it is usually due to strain over time rather than the result of you overdoing it just once. Nerve problems Many people who have back pain often talk about having a "slipped disc". But disc problems actually aren't that common and never happen because the disc has "slipped". It has usually torn and become distorted (prolapsed or herniated) so that is presses against sensitive nerves from the spinal cord. Sometimes a prolapsed disc in your lower back can press on the exiting nerve that forms part of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that runs down one leg. Sometimes a prolapsed disc can also cause numbness or tingling in a small area of your leg or foot. This pain is known as sciatica. Triggers for back pain These include: Poor posture. Lack of exercise. Standing or bending down for long periods. Sitting in a chair that doesn't provide enough back support. Sleeping on a mattress that doesn't provide enough back support. Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads that are simply too heavy, or going about these tasks in the wrong way. A trip or a fall.