As individuals age, the amount of calcium in the bone decreases.  This condition is referred to as osteoporosis.  The loss of bone density leads to greater risk for failure of the bone under normal and abnormal loads, a condition known as compression deformity (occasionally referred to as a compression fracture).   Osteoporosis leads to spinal deformity which also places stress on supportive soft tissues of the spine resulting in neck and back pain.   

Another relatively common cause of back pain is fibromyalgia.  Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which is characterized by fatigue and wide-spread pain in fibrous tissues including muscles, ligaments and tendons.   

The following represent some of the categorical causes of back pain.

Mechanical Back Pain: Mechanical back pain is one of the most common causes of spinal pain.  The pain associated with “mechanical back painâ€? is secondary to movement or loading of inflamed tissues.  This is often associated with the development of degenerative changes involving the intervertebral disc.  Uncomplicated mechanical back pain is more common in individuals under 50 years of age whereas low back pain in individuals over 50 years of age is more likely to be associated with complicating etiologies, such as infection, malignancy and spinal stenosis.   

There are many causes of mechanical low back pain.  The most common cause is a musculoskeletal pain syndrome.  Muscle or myofascial pain is generally characterized by pain and tenderness over localized areas.  These areas are sometimes referred to as trigger points.  The discomfort is usually well localized, and does not radiate very much.  Other common causes of mechanical low back pain include pain arising from the spinal (facet) joints.  Degenerative changes of the intervertebral disc lead to a loss of water within the disc, a loss of disc height and greater stiffening of the disc.  This process results greater risk for developing mechanical back pain. Causes of mechanical back pain include sprains, muscle spasms, ruptured or herniated disc, coccydynia, poor posture, spinal joint (facet) syndrome and muscle tension.

Acute Ligamentous Strain/Sprains : Back or neck pain may arise when ligaments are stretched or torn as a result of an injury.  The pain associated with a sprain may be intermittent, mild or severe.  The symptoms may be localized to one area or may radiate, extending over the whole involved area of the back.