Back pain affects as many as 80 percent of adults at some point during their lifetime. Anything from improper lifting to aging may cause back pain. Some of the most common causes of back pain include:

• Stretched or strained muscles
• Injuries that damage the muscles, bones or tissue
• Herniated (slipped) discs
• Osteoporosis
• Obesity or excess weight
• Poor posture
• Pregnancy

While back pain is common among adults, you should talk to your doctor if it becomes more frequent or severe.

Individuals suffering from even mild back pain should consult a doctor if they experience:

• Numbness or tingling
• Severe pain that does not improve with rest
• Pain after a fall or an injury
• Pain plus any of the following: trouble urinating, weakness, numbness in the legs, fever or unexplained weight loss

A number of factors can increase the risk of back pain, including:

• Age
• Fitness
• Diet
• Heredity
• Race
• Other diseases
• Occupational risk factors
• Cigarette smoking

Most back pain can be conclusively diagnosed using one or more of four diagnostic tests. These include:

• X-rays (which show problems like arthritis and bone disease)
• Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Test
• Myleogram

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, gives clear, detailed pictures of soft tissue near bones, the cardiovascular system and other organs. Specifically for back pain, an MRI allows doctors to look deep inside the body without surgery and can assist in diagnosing herniated discs and nerve damage.

Computerized Tomography, or CT, is an X-ray technique that produces more detailed images of your internal organs than a conventional X-ray can produce. CT Scans are used to:

• Diagnose muscle and bone disorders, such as osteoporosis
• Pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot
• Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy
• Detect and monitor certain diseases such as cancer and heart disease
• Detect internal injuries and internal bleeding

A myelogram is a type of x-ray that uses a dye or contrast material and a special machine called a fluoroscope that takes moving x-rays and displays them on a monitor. Myelograms detect many spinal ailments, including:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Herniated discs (spinal discs that stick out beyond their normal area) that press on nerves
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal tumors and lesions

Fortunately, most back pain problems can be treated effectively without surgery. Treatment options include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicine
• Limiting activity
• Physical therapy
• Pain medication as needed

Some conditions or injuries require surgery. These conditions include:

• Compressed spinal cord
• Disk degeneration
• Fractures
• Herniated discs
• Infections or tumors
• Instability in the spine
• Severely pinched nerves
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the bones of the spine)
• Spinal deformity

Surgery may also be recommended for those individuals who have symptoms of nerve damage. These symptoms include:

• Pain radiating down the leg or arms
• Acute pain in the affected area
• Numbness
• Weakness or tingling in arms or legs
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Today, interventional radiologists offer a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for spinal fractures. Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may help reduce or eliminate the pain associated with spinal fractures. This treatment helps stabilize spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Incorporating the following guidelines into your daily routine may help to minimize back pain and promote a strong and healthy spine:

• Exercise regularly to keep the muscles in your back strong and flexible
• Stretch before exercising to warm up your muscles
• Avoid standing or sitting in one position for too long
• Maintain your proper body weight as excess weight strains your back muscles
• Use proper lifting and moving techniques
• Get help if an object is heavy or an awkward size
• Don't twist when lifting
• Avoid smoking

Use good posture when sitting or standing