Back Pain

Why does my back hurt?

In the United States, people visit physicians for symptoms related to back pain almost as much as they do for a common cold. Back pain can be a result of an acute injury or may be associated with a more long-term injury or illness. There are many causes of back pain, but the most common include muscle strains, disc or facet joint irritation, as well as sacroiliac dysfunction. The symptoms from these are often very similar which makes diagnosis and treatment essential, and all can be treated effectively with physical therapy.

Symptoms of back pain:

• pain or discomfort in the upper back or lower back
• stiffness along the spine
• sharp aches in the upper back or lower back
• soreness in the upper back or lower back
• muscle spasms in the back
• difficulty maintaining one position

Symptoms of back pain can often be felt in other areas of the body or even radiate to extremities such as arms or legs.

Possible reasons for back pain:

• Muscle strain
• Fracture
• Broken bones
• Scoliosis
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae)
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritic changes
• Weak core and low back muscles
• Poor sitting or standing posture
• Facet Joint Syndrome