When you have had a good look at the major muscles of the back and you will have a better understanding of how each of those muscles or muscle groups are involved with movement and even with the functions of the body.  But knowing how the back can cause chronic pain with every single movement doesn't exactly explain how that pain originates in the first place.  Let's take a closer look at what causes most back pain and injuries so that we can have a better understanding of how to avoid that pain in the first place and how to treat it once it happens.

Back Injury

Probably the most common cause of pain in the back area is an injury.  This might seem surprising to many since they often have pain in their back but don't think they've actually ever injured themselves in any way.

The truth is it does not take very much to injure the back muscles. As you should be aware the major muscle groups of the back extend all the way from the neck down to the lower back region, and there are literally a number of places where small injuries can occur causing a lot of pain in the back

What is especially important to remember about injuring your back is that when you hurt any of these smaller muscles they rarely have time to heal properly.  Since the back is constantly in use even when we're at rest, these muscles are always being stretched and strained. It's much like having to go to work when you have a cold or the flu - it takes that much longer to heal when you can't rest because your body can't give the sick parts the attention it deserves. So it goes with your back - when you hurt any of those muscles, no matter how small, they just can't be immobile for the hours and days needed to heal completely.

Injuries you may sustain or experience that cause pain are not as severe as that of a care accident or when lifting extremely heavy objects, although those can be considered as typical issues too.

Here are some typical examples of actual injuries to the back that can cause pain long-term:

* Overuse of the back muscles. - This can be from a job or hobby that uses the back muscles repeatedly, such as working in the construction trades, loading or unloading objects, and activities such as bowling or golfing.  Repeated use of the back muscles actually causes injury over time.  Think of lifting weights - you feel the pain in your arms when you're at the gym and you know to quit, but when you're on the job or out playing that beloved round of golf you often ignore those simple aches and pains that mean injury to those small muscles.
* Jarring from traffic stops and starts - Even though you may not be in a traffic incident, the slamming of the brakes suddenly makes the back muscles swiftly work to protect the body from moving forward. The sudden stopping and starting makes the back muscles move in ways they are not designed to which causes injury.
* Overextending the back muscles from twisting side to side. - These very small muscles that are located up and down the sides of the abdomen and rib cage are very susceptible to injury this way; when they're overextended they are actually injured.
* Carrying weight. - Carrying a very heavy backpack or even a purse puts unnecessary stress on the back. The muscles have to work hard and compensate the load and balance that this weight puts, and often strains happen without anyone even realizing it.
* Sudden stresses and strains. - How many times have you gone to hug a child only to have him or her suddenly lift their feet off the ground so that you're carrying their entire weight when you didn't expect it? Or have suddenly slipped or tripped and have had to catch yourself without thinking?  These types of sudden and unexpected stresses and strains can cause injury to your back as it's not ready and prepared to handle these events.  The muscles can be tense and caught off guard which means they're more prone to tiny tears and stresses.

As mention, many people simply don't realize that injury has already happened to their back until later on in their life. The muscles have a tendency to knot up as a way to protect themselves from further injury and being knotted up in body may not necessarily allow the sensation of pain. Only when the muscles start to loosen up do we feel the pain and that we realize that something is wrong.

If you suffer from severe chronic back pain, then you know how incapacitating it is. Simple things become impossible to do , and the hurt is all you can think about.

Back in the old days , a few weeks of bed rest was prescribed, or surgery was even suggested . Sadly, while doctors meant well , these solutions were by far the worst ways to treat severe chronic back pain. The muscles atrophy and the body loses mobility . Doctors now have other treatments available for low back pain, whether severe or moderate .

Surgery As A Last Alternative

Applying a cold compress to your back will help to ease your pain. This can help maintain mobility in the back, and ease the pain and inflammation . An easy way to do this is to use a baggie full of ice or even a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply this compress for at twenty minutes at a time several times throughout the first day . Heat treatment,like a heating pad, can begin a few days after you start the cold compresses . This treatment can relax the muscles and increase the flow of blood to the injured area, promoting healing. A warm bath can also be soothing.

Bed rest can be used, but not alone and not for extended periods. In studies, it has been found that continuing activities without bed rest after back pain can help the back maintain flexibility. Also, it was found that bed rest alone could make the lower back pain more severe and lead to other complications (like blood clots in legs, depression and loss of muscle tone). It is much better to get back to regular activities as soon as possible. At night or while resting, lie on one side with a pillow between the knees, or on the back with a pillow under the knees.

Exercise! Particularly before it becomes severe lower back pain. Exercise will strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, and that is the key. Generally doctors recommend stretching exercises, walking and swimming. Yoga can also help by stretching the muscles and strengthening the body. Usually, a bit of exercise is a great lower back pain treatment, but if the pain increases, stop exercising and consult your medical practitioner.

Many people find relief of moderate to severe lower back pain by visiting a chiropractor. A chiropractor is trained in the ways to adjust the body and manipulate the spine to fix misalignments that can lead to lower back pain.

Medicines are often heavily relied on to treat severe lower back pain. Sometimes, the medical practitioner will recommend a combination of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor to know that they are safe for you.

Common Drugs To Combat Severe Lower Back Pain

Analgesics (like aspirin or ibuprofen), are taken orally, and help reduce inflammation. Counter-irritants (applied as a spray or cream) stimulate the nerve endings on the skin to feel warm or cold, and dull the pain. Topical analgesics can also reduce inflammation and help with blood flow. Antidepressants can be used to dull the pain and elevate the person mood.

Opioids, like codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine, should only be used for the most severe lower back pain, and only for a short amount of time, while under a doctor care. These have many side effects, making this less ideal for treating back pain than some other options.

Back pain affects more than 65 million Americans every year. Learn how to avoid being one of the statistics.

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