Back Pain: Muscle Strains
Simple strains are the most common cause of back pain, especially lower back pain. Muscle strain is often caused by overuse of a muscle or overloading a muscle. When a muscle is stressed beyond its limits, injury occurs. A muscle strain (or pulled muscle) is an overstretched or torn muscle.
With injury comes inflammation, which is part of the healing process. Inflammation causes pain and can also trigger muscle spasms. The severity of a muscle strain can range from mild to severe.
Sciatica
Pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve causes pain in the buttock and the back of the thigh.
Causes include:
- Prolapsed invertebral disc
- Muscle spasm
- Sitting awkwardly for a prolonged period of time
- Osteoarthritis in older people
