Back Pain Causes and Treatments

Statistics show that six in ten adults suffer from a more or less severe case of back pain. Back pain is a common symptom that usually occurs due to muscle strains or injuries to the back. Although pain may occur at any level of the back, the lower back region is the most commonly affected. If you’re trying to learn about back pain causes and treatments, we’ve provided you with a brief description of each case and it’s own treatment.

Spinal injuries

Fractures or sprains cause chronic back pain. Sprains and ligament damage happen when the muscles surrounding the spine are stretched too far. Fractures are often caused by osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become fragile. Injuries can be caused by various accidents. The treatment may consist in medication, but if the pain persists, it’s advisable to opt for a surgical intervention.

Herniated disc

It occurs when the intervertebral discs are subjected, along with age, to a process of degeneration of the disc. The nerves are compressed near the spine. Most commonly, a herniated disc that occurs in the lumbar spine, triggers lombosciatica – a lumbar pain that takes place suddenly, accompanied by a severe restriction of movement. Triggers can be: physical effort represented by lifting weights, sudden movements twisting the waist, trauma etc. The treatment mostly consists in a surgical intervention.


Pregnancy can commonly cause back pain due to changes in the gravity center of the body (caused by the weight of the uterus and fetus growing). In addition, pregnancy hormones cause ligaments and relaxation and its structures in the back. Exercising and improving your posture are of great help in easing the back pain.


Osteoporosis is a progressive disease characterized by a decreased bone density and strength. Women have a four times higher risk than men of developing osteoporosis. In advanced cases, due to bone fragility, hip fractures can easily occur. Regarding osteoporosis, the medication prescribed by the doctor and the lifestyle change are equally important.


It is a degenerative disease of the cartilage (osteoarthritis) that takes place in the spine. Depending on the severity of degenerative changes, spondylosis can cause pain in the affected area and limit spinal mobility. Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the spine. This disease progresses to a terribly unpleasant ossification and may stiffen the spine. The treatment for Spondylosis consists in medications, self-care and exercise.

Prolonged sitting at work or in the car

When you stay seated, the spine pressure is 40% higher than when you stand up. To counteract the effects of sitting for eight hours on the chair, use stretching techniques and exercises for at least 5-10 minutes a day. Stand up every 30 minutes. Also, make sure you are sitting in a correct position in the office.

Finding the best mattress to ease your pain

In order to protect your back and spine your mattress should be replaced every five to six years. However, when it comes to buying a new mattress, you have to take into account several aspects. A durable and soft mattress that will mold to the form of your body will relieve you of any back pains. However, make sure that the mattress on which you sleep is not too soft and not too firm either; it mostly has to be in-between. In this case, a latex mattress is the best solution for a good night’s sleep. Since there are several models on the market, check out the reviews from in order to discover the best latex mattress.