Back pain can happen when mechanical or structural problems develop in the spine, discs, muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the back.
Sprain: an injury to the ligaments that support the spine, often occurring from twisting or lifting improperly.
Strain: an injury to a muscle or tendon.
Degenerative disc disease: aging causes the discs between the vertebrae of the spine to break down.
Herniated or ruptured discs: the discs compress and irritate nearby nerves. This often occurs at the lumbar level.
Spondylolisthesis: a vertebra in the spine slips out of place.
Spinal stenosis: a narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Fractured vertebrae.
