One of the most common complaints heard by emergency room doctors is mechanical back pain. In fact some studies would suggest that over 6 million cases are seen in the United States every year. This makes it one of the top five disorders in terms of health care expenses. This article will focus on mechanical back pain and some of the causes not including lumbar back pain.

Physiology
There are a variety of causes that exist for as causes for mechanical low back pain. Even with that information the most common causes are age-related degenerative disk issues and injuries related to muscle and ligaments. We will filter our discussion to musculoskeletal causes. These can be divided into nerve root syndromes,musculoskeletal pain syndromes and skeletal causes. (see back pain relief)

Nerve Root Syndromes
Classic nerve root syndrome is characterized by radicular pain arising from nerve root impingement due to herniated disks. A similar syndrome can also be produced by inflammation and irritation, which may be an explanation of why patients whose presentation may be consistent with this diagnosis respond to conservative therapies.

Herniated disks are produced as the spinal disks degenerate. After growing thinner, the nucleus pulposus herniates out of the central cavity against a nerve root. Intervertebral disks begin to degenerate by the third decade of life, and herniated disks are found on autopsy in one third of adults older than 20 years. Only 3% of these, however, are symptomatic. The most common locations for herniation are L4, L5, and S1.

Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes
Musculoskeletal pain syndromes that produce low back pain include myofascial pain syndromes and fibromyalgia. Myofascial pain is characterized by pain and tenderness over localized areas (trigger points), loss of range of motion in the involved muscle groups, and pain radiating in a characteristic distribution but restricted to a peripheral nerve. Relief of pain is often reported when the involved muscle group is stretched.

Skeletal Causes
Other skeletal causes of low back pain include osteomyelitis, sacroiliitis and other concerns. Osteomyelitis results from infectious processes involving the bones of the spine, while sacroiliitis results from inflammatory changes in the sacroiliac joints. This pain presents over the sacroiliac joints and radiates to the anterior and posterior thighs. This pain is usually worse at night and is exacerbated by prolonged sitting or standing.

In Summary
This article has attempted at a high level to discuss the very real issue of back pain caused by mechanical reasons. Of course with any medial issue of this nature you should consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and form of treatment. By utilizing the information in this article you can expedite the resolution of mechanical back pain.