Studies show that nearly 90 percent of the American population suffers from problems with back pain from time to time. Back pain can be particularly vexing as a diagnostic issue because it can have so many different causes, from the mundane to the life-threatening. In this article, we present the most common causes of back pain.

The number one cause of back pain is skeletal problems. These can range from slipped and burst disks to skeletal abnormalities caused by bad posture. Generally, these skeletal problems are not life-threatening, but can sometimes be aided by surgery. If surgery is not an option, improving posture and taking certain kinds of anti-inflammatories and pain medications can help.

Another common, but surprising, cause of back pain is constipation. When the bowels become impacted, sometimes pain can radiate to the back and mimic other kinds of back pain. This type of back pain constipation generally appears in the lower left side of the back. Relief can be sought with a simple increase in fiber in the diet.

Some people experience a sick abdominal pain radiating to back when hungry. This puzzling symptom is another type of referred or radiating pain, and is often caused by problems with the gallbladder or with acid reflux. Talk to your doctor about diagnosing and treating this sick abdominal pain radiating to back when hungry, because your pain can be relieved by using a medication, such as an acid blocker, or having a simple surgery to remove your gallbladder.

Another cause we should mention is your mattress. Many people develop muscular and skeletal problems due to a mattress that doesn't have enough support for the spine. The spine ends up sinking downward or twisting during the night, causing swelling and pain. Fortunately, there are many special back pain mattress choices out there that can ease your pain. A memory foam mattress or a super-premium firm spring mattress will often do the trick.

It doesn't matter if your back pain is caused by a burst disk, a bad mattress, or a gallbladder-related abdominal pain radiating to back when hungry, there are options to help you feel better and live more fully. You and your doctor can discuss the variety of medications and procedures available to decide which is right for you.