Improper diet can contribute to weakness of the spine. Psychological stress can increase tightness and inflexibility of the back. Improper ergonomics such as chairs, tables, mattresses etc. Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke decreases the ability of blood to supply oxygen which weakens the back. It is also believed that nicotine breaks down collagen, the protein that holds connective tissue together.
Back pain is the leading cause of missed work, with more lost work days than the common cold.
Back pain is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. The cost of back injuries is over 80 billion dollars a year in the United States, due to absenteeism, medical and other related expenses. Back disorders are the number two cause of medical costs to the nation, just behind cardiovascular disorders. See Also Side Effects of Modern Medical Treatment for Chronic Back Pain. The content in these information pages is provided by the Maharishi Vedic Health Center .