The single most frequent cause of back pain is usually a pulled or torn ligament and/or muscle. A mild sprain or strain may occur suddenly or can evolve slowly over time by repeated, continuous movements. Ligaments that attach bones to each other are very tough and can sometimes tear partially even if the injury is not sudden. Certain injuries, such as repetitive micro-trauma, can cause tears in even structurally sound ligaments.
Among the more common causes of back pain is muscle strain, spondylosis (osteoarthritis), slipped disks (which can also be caused by mechanical forces), and the development of herniated discs over the years. Sprains to the back are relatively common for athletes and military personnel. Sprains of the muscles often happen when lifting heavy weights or moving objects in a work-out routine.
Spinal joints, which are joints that connect spinal bones to the vertebrae, are susceptible to a variety of degenerative changes over time. When these joints become loose or lose their flexibility, they are put under increased stress and when this occurs, they can compress and become inflamed. These are the most frequent causes of back pain, which can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly. When a spinal joint has been damaged and cannot move correctly, it may pop back into place with a little bit of exertion. The most common popping back of a spinal joint is due to degenerative changes that affect the surrounding soft tissue, but it can also be caused by the loosening of spinal muscles and discs. With any injury to the back, it is always a good idea to have your doctor check it out thoroughly to ensure that there are no underlying structural issues that need to be addressed.