Back problems describes a range of conditions related to the bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles and nerves of the back. These conditions can affect the neck (cervical spine), upper back (thoracic spine) and lower back (lumbar spine) as well as the sacrum and tailbone (coccyx).
Back problems can include:
- pain in the lower, middle and upper back caused by a range of injuries and conditions
- pain including tingling, numbness and weakness in the legs that starts from the lower back
- narrowing in the canal of the spine through which the spinal cord passes
- degeneration of the spine caused by wear and tear on the joints
- pressure on a segment of the spinal nerve attached to the spinal cord
- neck pain/stiff neck caused by disc degeneration.
Back problems can have many causes: issues with posture and injuries, diseases such as osteoarthritis, disc disease, osteoporosis, and some genetic conditions. Other factors may increase the risk of developing back problems, such as age, physical fitness, smoking, being overweight, and the type of work a person does.
Back problems are common conditions. Estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2007–08 National Health Survey suggest that about 1.8 million Australians (9.2% of the population) have back problems. It has been estimated that 70–90% of people suffer from lower back pain in some form at some point in their lives.
Back problems are a common reason for pain among younger and middle-aged adults, but they can start early in life—between ages 8 and 10.
Pain is the key symptom in most back problems. One study of people with long term back problems suggested that 14% experience constant or persistent pain, and 86% experience pain one day per week.