Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons to visit the health care provider in America and worldwide. Back pain causes more cases of disability than any other health condition. This condition can interfere with day-to-day activities and decrease the quality of the life significantly. The causes of the lower back can be different and have various origins. But if you want to get rid of this problem, it is crucial to find the root cause. 

Below are 5 surprising causes of back pain and ways to treat them. 

1. Sciatica

Sciatica is a problem of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in your lower back and runs to the feet of each leg. Sciatica occurs when something injures or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc that puts pressure on the nerve. Sciatica pain starts suddenly in the lower back or hip and may spread down to your legs. 

Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, this condition treatment rarely needs surgery. Non-invasive methods of sciatica treatment include steroid injections, physical therapy, and medications to relieve pain. 

2. Disc degeneration

Discs degeneration often causes back pain. The disc is a shock absorber that locates between the bones of the spine. This condition often develops because of age-related wear and tear. When the disc shrinks, joints of the vertebrae start to rub against each other causing discomfort. But not everyone suffering from disc degeneration experiences pain.

The treatment of disc degeneration often includes non-invasive options like medications, physical therapy, and steroid injections. Your doctor can suggest surgery if other methods cannot help relieve your condition.

3. Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a painful condition that occurs because of the narrowing of the spaces within your spine. This puts pressure on the nerves in your spine causing pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. However, some people can run this condition without symptoms. Spinal stenosis most often affects the neck and lower back. The common cause of spinal stenosis includes herniated disc, back injuries, tumors, and disc degeneration. 

The treatment of spinal stenosis largely depends on its location and the symptoms you have. Treatment often includes pain medications, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs to reduce pain. Physical therapy can help strengthen back muscles and improve the flexibility of the spine. In severe cases, the doctor may recommend a decompression procedure or surgery. Alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment may be helpful as well. 

4. Back injury

Back injury is a common cause of back pain. Damage or strain to the muscles and ligaments supporting the back often leads to pain and discomfort. The pain can radiate on the surrounding muscles causing shoulder and hip pain. Because of muscle spasms, you may feel pain in the chest and arms. 

To relieve your condition you need to visit a doctor to get a back injury treatment. Depending on the type of injury, your doctor may suggest physical therapy, massage, chiropractic care, and pain medications to relieve pain. 

5. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that occurs because of major bone mass loss. This happens when your body cannot produce new bone enough to cover the loss of an old one. Over time, the bones may become so brittle that even mild stresses can cause a fracture. Back osteoporosis can lead to back pain, loss of height, and frequent fractures. Back pain often develops because of the fractured or collapsed vertebra. 

The treatment of osteoporosis may include bisphosphonates, osteoporosis medication, monoclonal antibody medications, and bone-building medications. It is important to adjust your lifestyle to prevent osteoporosis progression. You need to quit smoking, avoid alcohol, and follow a healthy diet.