

Excess body weight puts extra stress on the back.

Weak, unused muscles in the back and abdomen might lead to back pain. Back pain is more common with age, starting around age 30 or 40. These factors can increase the risk of developing back pain: This makes the spine less flexible.Īnyone can develop back pain, even children and teens. This inflammatory disease can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse. Ankylosing spondylitis, also called axial spondyloarthritis.The spine's vertebrae can develop painful breaks if the bones become porous and brittle. 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 on spine X-rays, CT scans or MRIs done for another reason. However, a bulging or ruptured disk might not cause back pain. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. Disks act as cushions between the bones in the spine. For people in poor physical condition, constant strain on the 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 shows up in a test or imaging study.
