Backache is pain in the back of any cause or description.  It can occur as a constant aching pain or as a sharp, stabbing, boring or burning pain that is worsened when twisting, turning or bending.

Many Backaches are caused by muscle weakness and it is also often regarded as a form of Rheumatism.

            5% to 14% of individuals experience Backaches each year.

            60% to 90% of individuals suffer from Backaches at some stage of their life.

Excretory System

            Kidney infections may be the underlying cause of some cases of Backache.

Immune System

o       Backache may occur as a result of Allergies.

o       Backache may occur as one of the symptoms of Lyme Disease.

Metabolism

o       Persistent low Backache may occur as a symptom of Hypothyroidism.

o       Obesity may increase the risk of Backache.  This occurs from the additional weight that is implicit in Obesity causing a decrease in the space between the Vertebrae through which the Spinal Nerves pass.

Musculoskeletal System

o       Some cases of Backache may be attributable to Osteoarthritis.

o       Some cases of Backache may be attributable to Osteoporosis.

o       Some cases of Backache may be attributable to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Nervous System

            Neuritis may be the underlying cause of some cases of Backache.  This occurs from Nerve Inflammation in Nerves in the region of the back.

Physical Behaviour

o       Sudden onset of Backache may occur as a result of incorrect lifting techniques resulting in slipped discs.

o       Poor posture may cause Backache.  Poor posture increases stress on the nerves exiting from the spine, causing them to become stretched or inflamed, resulting in Backache.

Sexual System

            The increased weight that occurs during Pregnancy pulls the Stomach forward and causes pressure on the Spinal Nerves.  This may result in lower Backache occurring after the fourth month of Pregnancy.

Water/Water Balance

            Backache may occur as a result of Dehydration.

Alkaloids

            Capsaicin (0.0.25% strength or greater cream applied topically) may alleviate the Pain associated with Backache. 

Amino Acids

            DL-Phenylalanine may alleviate the Pain associated with Backache.  (Phenylalanine may raise blood pressure

Minerals

o       Calcium may alleviate some cases of Backache. 

o       Magnesium may reduce nerve pain and reduce muscle tension.

Vitamins

o       Vitamin A may alleviate some cases of Backache.  (Excessive Vitamin A should not be used when pregnant).

o       Vitamin B12 (administered intramuscularly) may alleviate the Pain associated with Backache and Sciatica. 

o       Vitamin C (1,000 mg per day or more) may alleviate many cases of Backache. 

o       Vitamin D deficiency may be an underlying cause of some cases of chronic lower Backache. 

Animal-Derived Supplements

            Bovine Cartilage may alleviate many cases of Backache. 

Herbs

o       Devil’s Claw may alleviate the Pain associated with Backache (due to the Harpagoside content of Devil’s Claw). 

o       Willow Bark may alleviate the Pain associated with Backache (due to the Salicin content of Willow Bark).  (Willow Bark may have blood thinning properties and should be used with caution if using already using blood thinning medications).

Vegetables

            Beetroot (juice) may alleviate some cases of Backache. 

Other Treatments for Backache

o       Acupuncture may be a useful treatment for Backache.

o       Adequate fluids (Some Backache may be due to dehydration).

o       Heat or ice packs. (Ice packs are generally applied for the first 48 hours, and then heat packs may be used).

o       The best general position to lie in when suffering Backache is on the side with the knees bent.