Back Pain – These Are Eight Possible Causes

Many people sometimes have back pain. No less than 85 percent of the Dutch experience this at least once in their life. Back pain is a collection of different complaints that can have a major impact on your daily functioning. In fact, it is one of the main reasons why people call in sick. ‘Moving without pain’ lists all forms of back pain for you.

‘Normal’ back pain

Almost everyone has suffered from ‘normal’ back pain from time to time. Usually it is present between the lower rib and the buttock crease and develops for no apparent cause. That is why this form is also called non-specific back pain. These complaints are usually caused by overload, a wrong sitting position or prolonged exertion of the back muscles. There are also indications that stress, a bad condition and a lot of driving can lead to nonspecific back pain. With a little rest and a paracetamol, this form of back pain should be over quickly.

Muscle cramps

This form of back pain occurs when one or more muscle groups suddenly contract. Such an attack usually only lasts a few minutes, but it can be very painful. This is your body’s natural response to avoid overloading the back muscles. Muscle cramps therefore mainly arise during prolonged sports activities or during chores in and around the house.

Your back muscles may not be strong enough to lift heavy objects. If you do that anyway, muscle cramps may develop. This is how your body stops you to prevent your back muscles from getting damaged. Incorrect posture is the most common reason for back pain. Also unnatural sitting and sleeping positions can also lead to muscle cramps. Usually the back pain disappears with rest and a Paracetamol.

Kidney stones

These are small and hard stones that are made up of crystals of minerals and salts. Kidney stones can cause a nagging pain on the side of the back where they are. When they enter the urethra, they can cause severe pain in the lower back and abdomen.

Spinal hernia

A spinal hernia occurs when the gelatinous core of the intervertebral discs protrudes. A lump forms that puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. There is pain in the lower back that radiates through the buttock to one leg. In most cases, a hernia will go away by itself.

Spondylosis

Spondylosis is osteoarthritis of the spine (back osteoarthritis). In this condition the intervertebral vertebrae – which are always located between two separate vertebrae – wear out. It is quite normal for these cartilage discs to lose moisture with age. As a result, these elastic intervertebral vertebrae become drier and therefore more sensitive to wear. Pain and stiffness develop in the lower part of your back. As the disease progresses, you can move less and less well and the pain increases.

Spondylitis

This is inflammation of the vertebrae or intervertebral discs. The inflammation causes scar tissue to form, which over time is converted into bone tissue. This can cause the back to grow crooked or crooked. The pain complaints can increase in severity during movement. However, this pain cannot be relieved by taking a rest. Spondylitis is in most cases caused by a bacteria. This condition is treated with an IV containing a high dose of antibiotics to kill these pathogens.

Spinal canal stenosis

This is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition usually occurs in the lower back. As a result of this narrowing, the nerves become trapped and pain occurs. The main cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis.

This condition is therefore common in people aged 50 and older. Lower back pain and feeling rudderless while walking are the main symptoms. You can reduce these complaints by sitting, bending or squatting. In these postures, your back becomes convex, giving the pinched nerves more space.