If you haven’t already experienced back pain, then chances are you will at some point. Nothing will send people to the medicine cabinet faster than back pain. Millions of dollars are spent seeking over the counter medications, paying doctor’s visits, and chiropractors. Studies show that 80% of Americans will suffer either from temporary or chronic back pain.

This is no surprise to those who have ventured to the store hunched over due to back pain. Back pain is devastating and will interrupt the simplest of activities. Since chronic back pain is so widespread, one needs to know what causes back pain and the possible treatments for it.

The Back:
A little anatomy lesson is called for right now. The back is made up of three main parts: the spinal column, neural elements, and supporting structures. There are over 20 vertebrae in the spine alone. There are three to five in the tailbone, five in the lower back, twelve in the upper back, and seven in the neck. All these vertebrae work together to form a flexible protection for the spinal cord and neural elements.

The spinal cord and neural elements run from the base of your brain down to the middle of your back. Keeping the vertebra and spine stable are the supporting structures. These ligaments are extremely important when it comes to protecting the spine.

If any one of these three parts gets damaged, then back pain is sure to follow.

Back Pain Causes:
The most common back injury is due to strain. Simple strains, pulled muscles or overworked muscles can stop you dead in your tracks. It can affect your family life, your physical activity and even affect your mood.

Sometimes back and neck pain is related to tension and stress. The muscles in your back can tighten up and cause both back pain and headaches. That’s right. Tension headaches are often a result of back strain.

Arthritis and osteoporosis both affect the vertebrae and joints resulting in pain and swelling.

Herniated discs and broken vertebrae are less common but more serious causes of back pain. Even rarer but very serious problems include cancer, infection, and Cauda equine syndrome.

Treating Back Pain:
Generally a short period of rest followed by resuming normal activity as soon as possible is recommended. Some people find sleeping on their side with a pillow tucked between their knees helps relieve back pressure and pain.

Stretching exercises are normally not recommended with back pain as it can further stretch already strained muscles. The same goes for long term bed rest. Long term bed rest normally just lengthens the recovery time and therefore is not a recommended treatment.

Over the counter medications are often the first stage in back pain relief. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are the most common medications used for short-term pain relief. If you find yourself taking either for an extended period of time, consult a doctor. Long term use of ibuprofen increases your risk for ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Chiropractors offer spinal manipulation to their patients. Progressive Rehab which combines chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy has been show successful for many chronic back pain sufferers. It involves identifying the problem followed by a specific treatment to stabilize the back and relieve the pain.