Generally this is due to a muscle strain from a specific activity. Usuallythese spells get better spontaneously within several days or weeks, if theperson avoids the activity that produces pain. This combination suggests some structure, a piece of disk or bone,may have moved and is compressing a nerve. Fractures of the spine can result from injury in any age group. But in theelderly or among those with another disease affecting the spine, such as a tumoror osteoporosis, spontaneous fracture can occur during normal daily activity.
Smoking decreases the bone rebuilding that is constantly taking place in all ofus.
Therefore, it may predispose a person to fracture and also undercuts thebody's ability to heal a fracture. I've already mentioned common causes of back pain, such as injury, tumor,inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the internal organs and the spine. Fortunately, the most common cause, by far, however, is acute, self-limited andusually not due to any serious disorder. Although the pain may be severe, oftenno specific cause can be proven with examination, laboratory tests, x-rays orscans. This pain is generally assumed to be due to minor or major degenerativechanges of the joints of the spine or a strain or spasm of the musclessupporting the spine.