Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is nothing new, in fact it is a very common condition that affects every eight out of ten people. It affects every type of person including the young, old, skinny, overweight, male or female, there is no discrimination. Women are however, more likely to have lower back pain then men are. This is a result of carrying oversized purses, pregnancy, childbirth and carrying kids around on one hip or the other.

The lower back, or lumbar region, consists of 10 vertebra, five lumbar and five sacral. In between beach of the vertebra is a disc made up of connective tissue with a jelly like substance in the center. Holding the vertebra in place and giving it support are a series of ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles. Backs are such a complex structure, that it is easy to see why determining an exact cause of pain, is rather difficult.

The lower back supports the weight of the upper body, as well as provides structural support, the ability to move and protection for surrounding organs and soft tissues.

There are many ways in which a person can injure their lower back. The most common lower back injury is muscle strain, which can be caused by heavy lifting, exercising, playing sports, bending over and many other day to day movements and activities. Muscle strains will occur when a muscle has been overworked and they can happen over a period of time with growing pain or just suddenly with a good amount of pain.

Other causes of lower back pain include pinched nerves, which can occur when a disc ruptures and the nerves are pinched between the two vertebras. Injuries and irritation to joints and discs can cause pain for an extended period of time and are common among sports players. Age also has its affect on the lower back. As bones get older they tend to get weaker, there is arthritis, osteoporosis, bone disease and some even deteriorate which could lead to lower back pain.

Sources:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain
http://www.medicinenet.com/low_back_pain