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Say Bye-Bye to Back Pain


What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain, a symptom of a medical condition or problem, has many different causes, including:
  • Mechanical problems such as disc degeneration, back spasms, muscle tension and ruptured or herniated discs
  • Injuries—such as spinal injuries, sprains and fractures
  • Acquired conditions and diseases such as scoliosis; spondylolisthesis, in which a vertebra slips out of place; and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
  • Infections and tumors.




As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

By Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD

SOURCES: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: "100 Million Americans Live with Aching Backs, but Most Don't Seek Medical Help." WebMD Medical Reference: "What are the Causes of Back Pain." WebMD Public Information from the U.S. National Institutes of Health: "Low Back Pain Risk Factors." WebMD Medical Reference in Collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic: "Pain Management: Sciatica." WebMD Medical Reference: "What Kind of Back Problem do You Have?" WebMD Medical Reference: "Understanding Back Pain: Treatment." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Back Pain During Pregnancy." WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth: "Can You Prevent Back Pain?" WebMD Public Information from the U.S. National Institutes of Health: "Time to See a Doctor?" WebMD Public Information from the U.S. National Institutes of Health: "Acute Back Pain, Chronic Back Pain."