First of all we need to know about back pain, what is back pain? Then we will see why Back Pain is a very common complaint among humans. Approximately 75 to 80 percent of all American’s will experience some form of back pain during their life time. Back pain can be annoying and possibly dangerous if not treated properly.

1. Causes and Treatment of Back pain
First of all we need to know about back pain, what is back pain? Then we will see why Back Pain is a very
common complaint among humans. Approximately 75 to 80 percent of all American’s will experience
some form of back pain during their life time. Back pain can be annoying and possibly dangerous if not
treated properly.
According to the NHS (National Health Service), UK, back pain is the largest cause of work-related
absence in the United Kingdom.
Back pain can happen to anyone at anytime regardless of health, age or ethnicity. Spinal pain is a
medical condition that can come on suddenly or develop over time. Below are a few of the reasons for
why an individual may experience back problems.
Some Reasons of Back Pain
1. Infections and Tumors- Spinal infections and tumors are rare but they do cause significant spinal
pain. Osteomyelitis, a serious infection in the spine, normally targets the vertebrae. It can also
affect the discs in the spine.
Tumors usually do not begin in the spine. When tumors are found in the spine, it is a sign that
cancer from another part of the body has spread to the back area.
2. Mechanical Disorders- As the body ages, it is natural for parts of the spine to deteriorate or
degenerate. The spinal structure and the intricate parts, such as ligaments and muscles, become
less flexible and more prone to injury. It is not uncommon for a back injury to occur doing simple
everyday tasks as a person gets older.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries - Having a spinal cord injury usually means that the spinal cord becomes
severed during an accident. To date, doctors do not have a procedure to reverse the effects of
this injury. The patient will be permanently paralyzed below where the spinal cord was severed
and also experience back pain.

2. 4. Stress - Stress can take a significant toll on the body. It can cause the muscles in the back to
become tense, stiff and painful. Depression and insomnia can also lead to an individual
experiencing physical pain in the spine area.
5. Trauma - Accidents or injuries can lead the spine to be dislocated or a disc to become herniated
or bulged. Common injuries from trauma are whiplash, torn ligaments and bruised muscles.
These can cause a patient to experience spinal pain.
Treatments
Cease any activity, lie down and rest. Lie in a position that takes pressure off of the spine. This can be
lying supine with a pillow under the knees. You can also like on your side with your knees tucked into
your chest.
Ice the area for 10-15 minutes at time to reduce inflammation. Do not place ice directly on the back.
Make sure there is a towel or cloth in between the ice and skin so you do not get frostbite and cause
further injury to the muscles.
You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory to help alleviate the pain. If the
pain hits a level of eight or greater, it is best that you see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can also
better prescribe for you any physical therapy you might need.