Last Updated on Tuesday, 08 September 2009 12:11

Back Pain Causes

Most lower back pain is referred to as 'non-specific' because it is caused, not by serious damage or disease, but by sprains, muscle strains, minor injuries, or a pinched or irritated nerve.

Back pain can also be triggered by everyday activities at home or work, and poor posture including: bending awkwardly lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly slouching in chairs standing or bending down for long periods, twisting, coughing sneezing, muscle tension, over-stretching, driving in hunched positions, driving for long periods without a break.

Sometimes, you can just wake up with back pain and have no idea what has caused it.

Some other causes of back pain are:

• pregnancy or gynaecological problems in women, e.g. pelvic inflammatory disease

• different types of arthritis, e.g. osteoarthritis

• stress related tension

• viral infections

• bone disorders

• bladder and kidney infections

• osteoporosis

• a trip or fall trauma or injury e.g. fracture

• lack of exercise

• obesity

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