## 1. Hypodynamia Over 85 percent of people suffer from chronic or periodic pains caused by a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise. The weakened muscles of the back become overstressed while supporting body mass. The pain is often felt in the lower back. The problem can be solved by getting more physical activity. ## 2. Osteochondrosis This condition presumes degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine. Possible causes include a sedentary lifestyle or incorrect posture while at work or driving. Meanwhile, in some cases, this condition is caused by incorrect or excessive physical exercise—for example, when lifting weights at the gym. The risk group includes older people and those who are overweight. Osteochondrosis is often accompanied by intense headaches (similar to migraines). ## 3. Herniated disc This is a very common cause of pain after 40 years of age. The herniated disk comes as a result of degeneration of muscles and connective tissues. Gradually, the vertebrae become more pressed against each other while the spinal discs flatten and slip out of the spinal column. This results in pressure on the nerve roots, which causes acute back and neck pain. Herniated discs cannot be treated; patients should learn how to live with them while strengthening their back. If the pain radiates down the arm or leg, it is recommended to have surgery. ## 4. Slipped disc Spondylolisthesis is a disorder when a vertebra slips out of place over the vertebra below. It can be caused by congenital anomalies, traumas, tumors, and degenerative changes in the spine. The painful sensations are felt in the lower back and buttocks and can radiate down the legs. Typically, it is a chronic condition. ## 5. Compression fracture This is a back injury when the height of one or several vertebrae changes under the influence of perpendicular pressure on the spine. The fracture can even result from a sudden move and cause very slight pain at the beginning. For this reason, patients often cannot identify the exact moment when they were injured. Over time, the pain becomes continuous and acute. ## 6. Scoliosis In the early stage, it is not a very critical medical condition. One of the causes of scoliosis is bad posture. So far, the reasons for developing scoliosis are not fully known yet. An unpleasant lingering pain is a signal of the disease in the active stage. ## 7. Marie-Strumpell disease The official name of this disease is ankylosing spondylitis. Its main symptoms include continuous back strain, pain and rigidity of the lower back, and lingering pain in the thighs. The disease is chronic but can easily develop in a more severe form and spread to the cervical and thoracic spine. ## 8. Osteoarthritis This condition develops with age as the joints wear out. Those who are overweight, people suffering from micro-injuries or joint damage are also at risk. The disease affects the cervical and lumbar spine, specifically the arthrodial cartilage at the surface of the bones. At first, the pain does not show up on a regular basis, but it gets worse with time and peaks when you move. The intensity of the pain also depends on the weather, getting worse when it is hot or when the atmospheric pressure rises. ## 9. Infection Some infections can cause damage to the spine as well as to the nerves, muscles, bones, or ligaments. Such conditions can be accompanied by higher body temperature and lingering back pain, which becomes acute at times. The risk group includes surgery patients, those suffering from diabetes, arthritis, and people who are overweight. ## 10. Referred pain Back pain that becomes more acute after a meal is almost always related to gastrointestinal diseases. The pathological condition of internal organs, most often associated with the liver and gallbladder (dyskinesia, cholelithiasis), can result in painful sensations radiating to various areas of the back through peripheral nerves. For example, in the case of cholelithiasis, the pain will radiate down the lower back, subscapular and interscapular area.