Back pain is a common condition and can be very uncomfortable, but it is not usually serious. Back pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, but it is more common in people who are between 35 and 55 years of age. In the majority of cases, the cause of back pain can be linked to the way that the bones, muscles and ligaments in the back work together.

In most cases of back pain your back will heal itself, and staying active and continuing with your usual activities will normally promote healing. Back pain will usually last from a few days to a few weeks. Pain that lasts longer usually clears up after about six weeks.

Common causes of back pain involve disease or injury to the muscles, bones, and/or nerves of the spine. Pain arising from abnormalities of organs within the abdomen, pelvis, or chest may also be felt in the back. Many intra-abdominal disorders, such as appendicitis, aneurysms, kidney diseases, bladder infections, pelvic infections, ovarian disorders and normal pregnancy among others, can cause pain referred to the back pain. Back pain can come on suddenly or gradually, and is sometimes the direct result of a fall or injury. The complex structure of your lower back means that even small amounts of damage to any part of the lumbar region can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

The symptom of back pain is a pain or ache anywhere on your back, in between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs. The majority of cases of back pain usually clear up quite quickly. Other symptoms are-

• a fever,
• weight loss,
• inflammation or swelling on the back,
• constant back pain that doesn't ease after lying down or resting,
• pain that travels to the chest or pain high up in your back,
• pain down the legs and below the knees,
• a recent trauma or injury to your back,
• loss of bladder control,
• inability to pass urine,
• loss of bowel control, or
• numbness around the genitals, buttocks or anus

• you're under 20 years old or over 55 years,
• you have taken steroids for a few months,
• you are a drug abuser,
• you have or have had cancer, or
• you have a low immune system due to chemotherapy or another medical condition (for example, HIV/AIDS).

Maintaining a proper posture is of utmost importance. As a rule whenever you get reminded of your back, try and sit with your back straight.

Using Right Furniture: Using hard beds, firm mattresses, chairs of proper height in relations to your desk, are very important.

Exercise: Even mild exercise to tone up the muscles of the back go a long way in preventing backache. Though people suffering from slipped discs and fractures should consult a physiotherapist for their exercise.

Stretch: A flexible back will go a long way toward protecting your back from injury. It's important to remember, however, that stretch can be a double-edged sword. A lot of people hurt their backs by stretching improperly. If you already have back problems, you should see an expert who can recommend stretches that are right for you. Swimming and yoga are the back exercises because they stretch that are right for you. Each day try to sit a little less and stand a little more. It really is that simple. To reduce the load on your back, all you need to do is take small breaks every once in a while, about one or two minutes. Sitting in a good chair can go a long way toward easing back woes. Make sure the chair has a lumbar support. The chair's height should be alterable, allowing you to find a place where you can sit with your arms level to your keyboard and your feet flat on the floor.

A generic medicine name is the official medical name for a medicine. (e.g. ibuprofen or aspirin). Medicines that work in a similar way often have similar sounding names (e.g. pencilin or amoxycilin).

• Paracetamol
• Amitriptyline
• Aspirin
• Diazepam
• Diclofenac sodium
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

Pain in your lower back is usually a symptom of stress or damage to your ligaments, muscles, tendons or discs. In some cases, if a nerve in your back is pinched or irritated, the pain can spread to your buttocks and thighs. This is known as sciatica.