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Backache is one of the most common ailments prevalent today.Ever since human beings stood upright they have been having trouble with their backs.Sedentary living habits, hazardous work patterns and psychological conditions associated with emotional stress, which bring about spasm of the muscles, cause backaches.

Backache is usually caused by muscles in the back becoming over-strained or injured in some way. Back pain may be caused by a mechanical disorder affecting one of the structures in or around the spine. Pain may be caused by damage to the ligaments, muscles or one of the small vertebral joints or discs. These discs, located between each of the vertebrae in the back, contain a central gelatinous core surrounded by a fibrous ring. With age or injury, the discs can rupture, causing the contents to spill out and press on the nerves that radiate from the spinal cord. This can then lead to referred pain, as in sciatica, which is felt in the area of the back that is supplied by the nerve. The most common causes of backache include: Bone Structure Abnormalities, Poor muscle tone and posture, Obesity, Pregnancy, and Stress and Depression.

The most common symptom of low back pain is pain! Usually located in the middle of the lower portion of the back, the pain can be sharp, stabbing, dull, throbbing or aching. Some people experience associated pain in the buttock and or leg. This pain can be located on one side or more rarely on both sides. This is often called sciatica and is a different problem than standard low back pain. The pain can increase with movement such as bending, twisting, lifting and even walking. Frequently patients feel better when lying down and worse when standing or sitting. Certain symptoms such as urinary problems, leg or foot weakness, loss of sensation, pain lasting more than a month, sudden severe pain not related to an injury and fever or weight loss associated with back pain are reasons to seek medical treatment urgently.

A careful history and physical examination are the first steps in diagnosis.Other tests include x-rays, CT scans or MRI scans.Also electromyography and nerve conduction velocity testing (EMG/NCV)can be done which looks for irritation of the nerves or muscles.