Ruptured disc – each vertebra in our spine is cushioned by a disc. If the disc ruptures there will be more pressure on a nerve, resulting in back pain.
Bulging discs – in much the same way a ruptured disc, a bulging disc can result in more pressure on a nerve.
Sciatica – a sharp and shooting pain that travels through the buttock and down the back of the leg.
Arthritis – patients with osteoarthritis commonly experience problems with the joints e.g. hips, back, knees and hands.
Abnormal curvature of the spine – if the spine curves in an unusual way the patient is more likely to experience back pain. An example is scoliosis.
Osteoporosis – bones, including the vertebrae of the spine, become brittle and porous,making compression fractures more likely.
Cauda equina syndrome – the cauda equina is a bundle of spinal nerve roots that arise from the lower end of the spinal cord. People with cauda equina syndrome feel a dull pain in the lower back and upper buttocks. Bowel and bladder disturbances are the main problems in cauda equina.
Spinal Tumor – Tumers of spine for bone and spinal cord may cause Neurological symptoms and weakness.
Infection of the spine – if the patient has an elevated body temperature (fever) as well as a tender warm area on the back, it could be caused by an infection of the spine.
Sleep disorders – individuals with sleep disorders are more likely to experience back pain, compared to others.
Bad mattress – if a mattress does not support specific parts of the body to keep the spine straight, there is a greater risk of developing back pain.
Poor posture
• Bending awkwardly
• Pushing something
• Pulling something
• Carrying something
• Lifting something
• Standing for long periods
• Bending down for long periods
• Twisting
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Over-stretching
• Sitting in a hunched position for long periods
