Talk with your doctor about which activities you might try. Regular low-impact aerobic activities - those that don't strain or jolt your back - can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow your muscles to function better. You might avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics. Smoking can also decrease blood flow to the spine and increase the risk of osteoporosis. This may occur because smoking prompts more coughing, which can lead to herniated disks. Smokers have increased rates of back pain.
People prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain. Using your back instead of your legs can lead to back pain. Some types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain. Excess body weight puts extra stress on your back. Weak, unused muscles in your back and abdomen might lead to back pain. Back pain is more common as you get older, starting around age 30 or 40. These factors might put you at greater risk of developing back pain: Your spine's vertebrae can develop painful fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.Īnyone can develop back pain, even children and teens. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis. Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back.
Disk disease is often found incidentally when you have spine X-rays for some other reason. However, you can have a bulging or ruptured disk without back pain. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. If you're in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. Conditions commonly linked to back pain include: Low back pain caused by spinal degeneration and injury.Ĭlick here for an infographic to learn moreīack pain often develops without a cause that your doctor can identify with a test or an imaging study.