There are many factors that can cause back pain; however, almost always back pain can be traced to a person’s poor posture. Back pain can also be caused by sitting on non-ergonomic chairs where the lumbar muscles are subjected to extreme pressure and lack adequate support to the spine.  Some other causes of back pain can be due to excessive bending or poor lifting mechanics especially of heavy objects primarily using your back instead of the legs which can result in a ligament or muscle tear and back pain.

The best treatment for back pain is premised on determining the exact areas where the pain originates and to the adequate knowledge of the definite characteristics of the pain. Proper treatment can only proceed when the back pain symptoms are known and a diagnosis has been established.  The typical back pain symptoms can include:

• Pain related to bowel problems or weight loss
• Immobility due to pain in the back
• Pain that is amplified while sneezing or coughing
• Pain traveling down the lower extremities
• Weakness or numbness in the legs
• Pain felt while rising from bed
• Consistent stiffness or pain around the waist area
• Pain experienced after long hours of standing or sitting (i.e. after a long period of sitting or driving in a car).
• Pain experienced when performing any sports activity or walking or bending.

Besides being the usual signs of back pain, the above mentioned symptoms are also the ones that are often ignored by people. If left untreated, these symptoms can result in chronic back pain. When these symptoms are immediately addressed especially at their onset, it helps prevent any potential serious injury to the spinal cord. Back pain is usually non-life threatening but its symptoms need to be precisely known by the doctor and addressed as quick as possible which will prevent you from suffering unnecessary pain.