Common Causes of Lower Back Pain A large portion of the American population experiences mild to severe back pain over their lifetime. The tendency of experiencing lower back pain may increase with age, the majority of sufferers are aged 60 and above. This pain would not only end at the lower back but may spread itself over to the larger part of the spine and down to the buttocks and legs. What truly cause this element may never be exactly diagnosed and even experienced physicians and experts may overlook some causes underlying the condition. The patient may also find it hard to distinguish the location of the pain and may often be confused on where to start pinching the section of the body to temporarily relieve the pain. The goals of these basic treatments are to: 1) restore the strength and to reinstate the proper function of the back bone and 2) to prevent the condition for recurring. Medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen target both chronic and acute low back pain. More efficient back pain relief may require the combination of over the counter remedies and prescription drugs. Feeling of guilt or worthlessness Problems with memory and concentration Thoughts of death and suicide Decreased interest on generally everything Clinical depression is often observed on suffers of chronic back pain rather than those experiencing only acute pain for which the condition is felt only for shorter periods. Both the myofascial pain and the joint dysfunction can best be helped with treatments in the forms of: Active and passive physical therapy and daily exercise Osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation Massage therapy or deep massage Acupuncture Massage therapy Injections with a local anesthetic on trigger points Over the counter medications Prescription drugs The back bone is divided into several categories and each are at risk to different factors. It is important that the person using narcotic pain medications is under strict supervision. Muscle Relaxers Muscle relaxing medications may be very effective in treating the symptoms of back pain through relieving muscle spasm. Among these are trade names such as Flerexil, Valium, and Soma. Physical Therapy The focus of physical therapies is the exercises concerned on the back, naturally enough.