Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder causing back pain in the lumbar vertebrae. It can be either acute, sub acute or chronic in its clinical presentation. Typically, the symptoms of low back pain do show significant improvement within two to three months from its onset. In a significant number of individuals, low back pain tends to be recurrent in nature with a waxing and waning quality to it

Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some time in their lives. It comes in many forms, from lower back pain to neck pain to sciatica. Back pain is not a diagnosis -- it's a symptom of an underlying condition.

Causes of  Low Back Pain

Anyone who has ever suffered from a bad back will know how much pain and discomfort can be exacerbated by a poor mattress, but it is not just those with existing back complaints who can benefit from a good mattress; back pain may actually be preventable by investing in a good quality mattress and bed.

Muscle strains are the most common cause of low back pain. Patients may or may not remember the initial event that triggered their muscle spasm

Some of the more common causes of lower back pain are:

Sudden injury to the back such as may occur in an auto accident, fall, sports, or other manner.

Stress to the muscles, nerves, or ligaments in the lower back.

Symptoms of  Low Back Pain

Low back pain means a pain or ache somewhere between the bottom of the ribs, at the back, and the top of the legs. The pain often begins suddenly, and may follow an obvious strain or injury, but may seem to come on "out of the blue", or come on slowly.

Symptoms in the low back can be a result of problems in the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area. Pains in the upper back can also be a result of disorders of the aorta, chest tumors, and inflammation of spine.

Treatment of  Low Back Pain

Sleeping with a pillow between the knees while lying on one side may increase comfort. Some doctors recommend lying on your back with a pillow under your knees.

Stay active - It's important to return to your normal level of physical activity as soon as possible. Staying active will help your back to get better, and reduces your risk of getting simple back pain again.

Stay positive - remember that back pain usually goes away quickly.

Safely issues - Many CAM treatments are believed to be safer and to have less side effects than conventional treatments, especially pharmaceutical treatments. But side effects are often only discovered after very large extensive studies have been done or even after they have gone to market. A CAM treatment may have not been studied extensively enough to uncover potential safely issues.

It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications, and benefits of spinal surgery with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.