What causes back pain?
Back pain can be caused by a number of factors from poor posture & injuries to the effects of degenerative aging. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a fibrous outer layer. These spinal discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of bulging and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. Bulging of the disc are protrusions from the disc that press on surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness or weakness.