One of this country’s leading medical problems is back pain. It is cited as one of the five most common injuries occurring in the workplace. Some of these, of course come from accidents. However, many are simply preventable. In fact, the vast majority tend to come from stress and strain on your back. It only takes a second to lift something that pulls a muscle in your back. We take a look at some of the more common causes of low back pain.

There is a section of your lower back which consists of five cervical discs. This area is often called the lumbar. The lumbar must maintain its flexibility to act as a shock absorber for impacts to the body. These cervical discs are connected by soft tissue. The soft tissue must retain its flexibility to be effective.

We are more susceptible to problems in the lower back as we age. This is compounded by the changes in our work habits. Many of our work hours are spent sitting in fixed positions. This is especially true for those who work on computers.

The lower back relies on its strength in its ability to be flexible. The elasticity of the ligaments, tendons and muscles between the discs is critical. The other critical element is strength. The majority of the weight must be absorbed and distributed by the lower back. It must be even stronger when you add weight by caring different items.

One of the causes of low back pain is when the joints fail to function properly. Between each of the cervical discs, there is soft tissue. This holds the discs together. There are certain conditions which may impact the joint from functioning properly. This can lead to stiffness in muscle pain.

Stress and tension can build up in the body from sitting in a given position for long periods. Another way this can happen is through improper posture. These cause tension to the spine because it is not being used in its most optimal position.

If we sit for long hours, the weight of our body is absorbed by the spinal column. If these it in and improper position, the weight may be concentrated in certain areas. This can cause fatigue to the soft tissues and muscles between the cervical discs. As these areas fatigue, they become stiff and begins to hurt.

Many people sustain a small injury to their lower back generally; they just hope that it passes. However, many of these situations cause the spine to become out of ballots. The person will actually begin to change their posture and adjust to the effect of the injury. It is important to see these changes occurring and to take proper corrective action before injury occurs.

Doctor’s classify lower back pain into two separate categories. There is acute back pain and chronic back pain. Acute is milder and usually lasts a few days to a few months. Chronic is more severe and can last months to years.

Acute back pain generally comes from damaged muscles, tendons, or ligaments. It generally strikes a person suddenly. This may be the result of lifting too much weight or a sudden movement of the body. These are generally treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, chiropractic manipulation, exercise and massage therapy.

If you suffer from lower back pain, you should seek out natural treatments if at all possible. Stretching exercise and massage chair therapy can be very therapeutic and relieving of pain and discomfort. Check with your medical professional as to your situation and they are recommendations.

Most of the common causes of acute back pain are preventable. Make sure you have proper ergonomic seating, maintain proper posture and advised by proper lifting techniques. These will go along way to preventing injury to your back. Also maintain a proper diet, exercise frequently and relieve stress with a relaxing massage.