Low Back Pain: Low back pain is an umbrella term that covers many different reasons and causes.

Spinal structure: The lower back also known as the lumbar spine is made up of five spinal bones called lumbar vertebra of which there are five.

Causes of lower back pain: The most common reason for lower back pain is unknown

Common problems that may cause contribute to lower back pain.

Bulging or ruptured disks: The infamous slipped disc as it is commonly called is not quite accurate.

Sciatica: Is a common term that is used to describe pain coming from on the largest (thickest and one of the longest nerves in the lower back and lower limbs).

Arthritis: This is a very scary word for many of us.

Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis means a narrowing of the central canal where the spinal cord is travelling.

Skeletal irregularities: Back pain can occur if your spine curves in an abnormal way.

Scoliosis: When looking at a person from the rear one should see a straight spine.

Osteoporosis:  A weakening of the mineral content in the spine, hips or pelvis can lead  to compression fractures of your spine's vertebrae.

Rare but serious conditions
In rare cases, back pain may be related to:

Cauda equina syndrome: This is a serious neurological problem affecting a bundle of nerve roots that serve your lower back and legs.

Tumors in the spine: A tumor on the spine can press on a nerve, causing back pain.

Infection of the spine. If a fever and a tender, warm area accompany back pain, the cause could be an infection.

Factors that increase your risk of developing low back pain include:

• Physically strenuous work  (active injury)
• Sedentary work  ( passive decompensation)
• Low level repetitive motion that accumulate over time.
• Stressful job/poor work site ergonomics.
• Obesity
• Anxiety (externally and internally generated sources have the same impact )
• Smoking (spinal structures especially disc are very oxygen sensitive which is   what smoking depletes)
• Depression (pain and depression are an equal two way street each feeding the other)
• Genetic predisposition (structure is inherited as with everything else)
• Prior trauma: vehicular, sports, other traumas