Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Management

Back pain can affect a person's ability to function on a day-to-day basis. Chronic back pain is pain that continues over a long period of time, and it may come and go. Learning the cause of your back pain is important if you are going to effectively manage it for an improved quality of life.

Deterioration

• The spine is a complex bone and cartilage structure.

  Osteoarthritis causes pain in the back from the deterioration of the spinal disks, which adds uncomfortable pressure between vertebrae. Pain can result from small fractures along the spinal column.

Disease

• Fifty nerves are present that could be pinched by a herniated disk.

  The back can be affected by many diseases that cause pain along the spine. Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia all cause either nerve damage or fractures. The nerve damage and fractures can cause severe back pain, which can be chronic (long term).

Nerve Damage

• Nerve damage can cause severe back pain, often feeling like a "pinching" pain. Fifty nerves are near the spine, which can be affected by conditions like fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. The nerves can also be pinched or disturbed by fractures and herniated disks.

Spinal Fractures

• Small fractures cause a noticeable curve or "hump" in the spine.

  Fractures in the spinal column and ribs can create back pain. Tiny fractures are often the result of normal activity in a person who is affected by diseases like osteoporosis, degenerative bone disease or a vitamin D deficiency.

Pulls and Strains

• Pulled or strained muscles and ligaments usually cause back pain immediately, but the pain can linger and cause secondary long-term issues. The injured area can radiate pain across a section of your back or create a knot and cause spasmodic pain.