What causes back pain?
There are many possible causes, including poor posture, emotional stress or an injury. The most common backaches are due to

•   A worn facet joint
•   A protruding disc
•   A pinched nerve
•   A combination of two or all three

To pinpoint the cause, a doctor will typically take a medical history, perform a physical examination and may order diagnostic tests such as an x-ray or an ultrasound.

Common back pains

Bending back pain is a condition which strikes many people during the normal course of their day. An innocent motion such as bending should not cause injury or pain. Bending over is a normal motion for the human spine and is in no way inherently dangerous. It is important to discover the contributing factors to bending related back ache, in order to enact a program of effective treatment.
It is possible to injure a muscle, ligament or tendon while stooping over. It is possible to injure a muscle, ligament or tendon while stooping over. Tight back muscles are especially prone to strains and sprains.

Sleeping back pain can make an already horrible back problem even worse. Sleeping is a time to rest from a long day which may have been spent in pain. Some back pain is actually worsened when lying down or sleeping.
Try sleeping in different positions and see if any help or aggravate the pain. Most back pain sufferers find that sleeping in the fetal position is preferred. Fetal position means sleeping on one’s side with the legs bent and a pillow between the knees. Some patients find relief on one’s stomach or sleeping on their back, with a pillow under their ankles. The end result of all these positions is to ease the pressure on the spine.

Sitting back pain is a common complaint for chronic lower back pain patients. Sitting backache is the bane of office workers worldwide. People that are confined to a chair for much of their work day can suffer muscular, skeletal, and posture related pain syndromes Lower back conditions are aggravated by long periods of seated posture. Humans have been sitting for countless generations. Why are we suddenly suffering so much from a position that is natural for our backs? Do not sit for a long time without getting up to stretch occasionally. Keep moving around at least once an hour to avoid creating a potential muscular back pain condition.
Sit in a comfortable chair. Find a chair that works best for your needs. Vary your seated position. Distribute weight evenly and do not slouch. Keep your work station set up to prevent you from having to reach too far while sitting. An ergonomic work station can prevent many back pain problems from occurring.

Work related pain has no particular pattern. Workers in many varied professions can suffer terrible pain or injury caused by their jobs. Work related back pain is often a patient’s first experience with serious spinal symptoms. Our vocations often put stress on our backs, either through physical demands or emotional strain.

Repetitive Stress Back Pain is a common result of jobs that involve repetitive movements. Using the same muscles over and over can put an uneven load on the skeleton, as well as the muscles themselves.

Manual Labor Back Pain is mostly due to overexertion of the back muscles. People with jobs involving heavy manual labor must be very careful with their spines. Workers that perform vigorous and strenuous labor as a regular part of their job description are at higher risk for every type of back pain.

 Driving Back Pain is similar to sitting back pain, but worse. Not only are drivers confined to a chair for their work day, but they must also operate foot pedals and vehicular controls while keeping a constant eye on the road. This condition is often a combination of muscular, postural and emotional stress related symptoms, all rolled into one lovely package.

There are several other chores which put a toll on our backs. Make sure to use proper technique in everything you do at work. This applies to every job, including office work. If you must stand all day, take time to change it up every hour or so with a walk or a seated rest. If you must sit, take the time to get up and stretch. If you must use repetitive motions, try to switch off to the other hand to give one side a rest. If you are doing hard manual labor, wear a supportive back brace, bend your knees, and use proper technique when lifting. No matter what type of work you perform, learn to acknowledge and control your emotional stress.

Prevention of back pain

1.   Keep the muscles well conditioned by improving sitting, standing, stretching postures. Well-conditioned
      muscles are less prone to injury.
2.   Never bend at the waist or stoop to pick up an object. Instead, lower the body to the level of the object by       bending the knees. And raise yourself with your legs while keeping your back straight.
3.   Do not lift very heavy objects.
4.   Whenever possible, prop yourself up.
5.   Lean against a wall or pillar while waiting for a bus or standing in line at the bank.
6.   Keep footstools around the house. Alternatively prop up one leg on stool while doing standing chores.
7.   Sleep on a firm mattress and find a comfortable position.
8.   Wear low-heeled shoes.
9.   Standing straight will do wonders for your back.
10. Sit on a comfortable chair that supports the curve of lower back.
11. While sitting for long hours rest feet on a low stool so that knees are above hips.
12. Do not sit or stand in one position for a very long time. Get up periodically and walk for a while.
13. Avoid activities which hurt back.
14. Do not sit in same position for long hours. It may prove hazardous to back. Take break in between and move      around.
15. Avoid becoming overweight. Overweight increases the risk of back pain.

Tips for software professionals to avoid back pain

1.  Select a correct chair, with a relatively straight back and good lower back support. If the chair doesn't offer      lower back support, keep a rolled up towel or cushion to support the back.
2.  Correctly position the chair, keyboard, and monitor. Feet should be on the floor, with knees at hip level;      forearms should form a right angle with upper arms; and the computer terminal should be at eye level.
3.  Adopt a relaxed, upright working posture and allow the chair to support.
4.  Avoid slouching forward or leaning back too far.
5.  When you are at work stand up, walk around, stretch forward, backward, and side to side once in 30 minutes.
6.  Increased stress and strain enhances the chances of back pain. Hence remember to relax! Yoga and      meditation are best techniques to relax
7.  Eat healthy food which is rich in fiber. Avoid sweets, oil, soft drinks and overeating to reduce the chances of      weight gain.
8.  Sex should be avoided during acute stage of back pain as it exaggerates the condition.