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Back pain can be caused by any number of things, but a few common reasons are:
• Herniated and Bulging Discs
• Facet Syndrome
• Spinal Stenosis/ Sciatica
• Degenerative Disc Disease
Rupturing of the tissue that separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column.
 The center of the disc, which is called the nucleus, is soft, springy and receives the shock of standing, walking, running, etc. The outer ring of the disc, which is called the annulus (Latin for ring), provides structure and strength to the disc. The annulus consists of a complex series of interwoven layers of fibrous tissue that hold the nucleus in place.
A herniated disc is often referred to as a slipped disc. This term came from the action of the nuclear tissue when it is forced from the center of the disc. The nuclear tissue located in the center of the disc can be placed under so much pressure that it can cause the annulus to rupture.
When the disc has herniated or ruptured, it may create pressure against one or more of the spinal nerves which can cause pain, weakness or numbness in the neck and arm. Other names for herniated discs are prolapsed and ruptured discs.
Facet Syndrome is defined as an irritation of one or more of the joints on the back of the spinal vertebrae.
Facet syndrome is most often caused by whiplash and athletic injuries where the spine and/or neck spends a lot of time in extension. Young gymnasts, for example, are at risk for facet syndrome.
Pain from facet syndrome feels like a dull ache. Symptoms include:
• headaches
• neck pain
• radiating pain (into the upper back)
• loss of neck movement.
Pain from facet syndrome is often confused with pain from other vertebral structures nearby. It is important to get a diagnosis from a qualified physician to rule out other conditions such as disk disease.
Narrowing of the spaces in the spine, resulting in compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord by bony spurs or soft tissues, such as disks, in the spinal canal. This occurs most often in the lumbar spine (in the low back) but also occurs in the cervical spine (in the neck) and less often in the thoracic spine (in the upper back).
 Spinal stenosis is most often caused by degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae due to osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects people at an earlier age than osteoarthritis does and is associated with inflammation and enlargement of the soft tissues of the joints. The portions of the vertebral column with the greatest mobility (for example, the neck area) are often the ones most affected in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Nonarthritic causes of spinal stenosis include tumors of the spine, trauma, Paget's disease of bone, and fluorosis.
Pressure on the lower part of the spinal cord or on nerve roots branching out from that area may give rise to pain or numbness in the legs. Pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord (that is, the neck area) may produce similar symptoms in the shoulders, or even the legs. The symptoms vary depending location on the nerve tissues being irritated and the degree of irritation. When the neck is affected, it can result in unusual sensations in the arms and/or poor leg function and incontinence. When the low back is affected, the classic symptom is pain radiating down both legs while walking that is relieved by resting (called pseudoclaudication).
Persistent mechanical irritation of the nerves to the leg can have long term consequences. If symptoms are mild, conservative measures designed to relieve the nerve irritation are used, such as medications to relieve inflammation and/or mechanical supports and/or back exercises. Anti inflammation medications can be given to reduce the swelling of tissues (disk or other local soft tissues) that are pressing against the nerves. Examples include by mouth: ibuprofen/naproxen and others and cortisone related medication, such as prednisone; by injection: either throughout the body by injection into the muscle; or into the spinal canal (epidural injection).
When symptoms are severe, surgery is necessary. The operation involves surgical resection of the bone and soft tissues that are impinging on the nerves and/or spinal cord. Operation is generally considered only with persisting, intolerable symptoms
As we age, the water and protein content of the body's cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thin cartilage. Because both the discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes). The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as degenerative disc disease.
 Degeneration of the disc is medically referred to as spondylosis. Spondylosis can be noted on x-ray tests or MRI scanning of the spine as a narrowing of the normal "disc space" between the adjacent vertebrae.
Degeneration of the disc tissue makes the disc more susceptible to herniation. Degeneration of the disc can cause local pain in the affected area. Any level of the spine can be affected by disc degeneration. When disc degeneration affects the spine of the neck, it is referred to as cervical disc disease. When the mid-back is affected, the condition is referred to as thoracic disc disease. Disc degeneration that affects the lumbar spine is referred to as lumbago. Lumbago causes pain localized to the low back and is common in older persons. Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the facet joints is also a cause of localized lumbar pain that can be detected with plain x-ray testing. The pain from degenerative disc or joint disease of the spine is usually treated conservatively with intermittent heat, rest, rehabilitative exercises, and medications to relieve pain, muscle spasm, and inflammation.
Definitions taken from medicinenet
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Causes of Back Pain
