The top five most common causes of back pain are:
Muscle or Ligament Strain: Overexertion, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements can cause strains in the muscles or ligaments in the back, leading to acute or chronic pain.
Herniated or Bulging Discs: The soft cushions (discs) between the vertebrae can rupture or bulge, putting pressure on nearby nerves and causing pain, often in the lower back.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, in particular, can affect the lower back, leading to pain and stiffness due to the degeneration of the joints and narrowing of the space around the spinal cord (spinal stenosis).
Skeletal Irregularities: Conditions like scoliosis (a curvature of the spine) can cause chronic back pain due to the uneven distribution of weight and pressure on the spine.
Poor Posture and Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting, particularly with poor posture, weakens muscles and puts strain on the spine, leading to back pain over time.