Back pain is a major health problem that affects everyone from IT workers to housewives of all ages today. Even minor changes in the spine, the discs, muscles, and nerves in between can cause severe pain. Here are the 5 main reasons for back pain that many people dismiss as normal fatigue:
Poor posture: Sitting in front of the computer for hours, bending your back, and sleeping poorly on a bed or sofa with too many cushions puts severe stress on the muscles and ligaments of the spine. This can lead to chronic back pain over time.
Slipped Disc / Disc Bulge: There are soft ‘discs’ that act as shock absorbers between each vertebrae in the spine. When you bend over suddenly and lift heavy weights or as you age, these discs can protrude (Disc Prolapse) and press on the nearby spinal cord. This causes severe back pain and a condition called sciatica that spreads to the legs.
Muscle Weakness and Strain: Another reason is that the muscles in the abdomen and back that support the spine become weak due to sudden movements and lack of exercise. When you lift heavy objects incorrectly, the muscles in the back can become strained and cause severe pain.
Osteoarthritis & Spondylosis: As you age, the vertebrae in the spine tend to rub against each other and wear out. This is called Lumbar Spondylosis. This can cause severe pain and stiffness in the back.
Calcium and Vitamin D3 Deficiency: When the diet lacks calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health, the density of bones decreases and they become weak. Osteoporosis, which occurs in women as they age, is one of the main causes of back pain. Back pain can occur in obese people and when the weight on the spine is more than it can support.