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Backache is a rather common condition and often seems to be the only disturbing symptom in people otherwise in reasonably good health.  It is a common symptom of many diseases, as well.

 By the term backache usually is meant a lumber pain, beginning in the region of the first lumber vertebra and extending downward along the “small of the back”.  The pain may be in the center of the back, along the spine, or on either one or both sides of the spine; and it may affect any region of the back.

There are several reasons for the backache to strike. In the following lines, we have provided all the main causes and symptoms of back pain/ backache.

1. Weak muscles, due to lack of exercise. The body’s muscles work together as a unit. The upper torso is held up by the shoulder muscles and upper back muscles (trapezius and lats) as well as the pectorals or chest muscles in front. The lower torso is carried by the abdominals in front and the lower back muscles. It’s important for an exercise plan for back pain to work on not only the major back muscles, like the erector spinae, lats and trapezius but also muscles in the front of the body. The abdominal muscles are very important as they help to support the weight of the trunk and so keep the spine and upper body straight. The abs comprise the internal and external obliques down the side of your waist, and the six-pack muscles or the rectus abdominus, that run down the middle of your abdomen.

2. Poor range of movement in the back muscles or lack of flexibility. This is also caused by lack of regular exercise. If you perform a sudden movement outside of your normal range of motion you can strain your muscles. For example, if you twist suddenly and your lower back muscles are inflexible, you are likely to strain these muscles. You need to stretch the muscles of the back regularly.

3. Tight chest, shoulder or hamstring muscles. Because the body is a unit, you must stretch connected muscles as well as the back muscles. The hamstring muscles are attached to your pelvis and will, if tight,pull on the pelvis, causing rounding of the lower back. This can lead to back pain. Stiff shoulder muscles will likely cause neck and upper back pain. The chest muscles are connected to the shoulder so will pull on the shoulder if tight and will cause shoulder and neck pain.

4. Poor or incorrect posture. Most of us sit for long periods, whether at work, watching TV or driving a car. Incorrect posture while walking or standing can cause backache. eg rounded shoulders can cause upper back pain. The best way to improve posture is exercise to strengthens the postural muscles.

5. Moving your body incorrectly. A common way of pulling and straining back muscles is whilst picking up objects. I’ve done that a few times, as I’m sure most of us have. When picking up objects, bend your legs and let the legs take the weight, not the back. Everyday actions like getting into and out of a car or sitting down in a chair are also important to be aware of. Twisting your body when you get into or out of a car can strain your back.

6. Being overweight. Carrying a body weight that is too high puts too much strain on the back muscles. In addition, you are likely to have a smaller range of motion and be less flexible. So any sudden movements are more likely to cause muscle strains.