Back  Pain
Back pain is a common complaint that has many causes and a visit to a doctor is an important first step. The diagnosis of back pain isn’t always easy. The human spine is a complex interconnecting network of nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and all are a possible source of pain. In addition , other factors like depression, anxiety, or stress can contribute to the onset of back pain.

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The National Association for Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy has a very detailed symptom checker with descriptions of all the muscles of the body.

Myofascial source of back pain
The probability of myofascial trigger points generating pain and other symptoms in the upper, middle and low back is very common, but is also the most overlooked and ignored source of pain. Myofascial trigger points in the rectus abdominis, latissimus dorsi, iliopsoas, multifidi, serratus posterior superior/inferior, and iliocostalis thoracic are  a frequent cause of back pain. (click on symptom checker above for more information)

Common conditions or diagnosis for back pain
Lumbago is pain in the mid and low back: a descriptive term not specifying cause. Herniated disc: The vertebrae are separated by cushiony discs, which act as shock absorbers preventing the vertebrae from rubbing together. They are composed of a tough outer layer of cartilage/disc wall that surrounds a softer gel-like-material in the center. A herniated disc results when a crack or tear in the disc wall allows some of the gel-like-material inside to protrude or leak out of the disk.

Stenosis
Is a condition due to gradual narrowing of the spinal cord causing nerve pinching which leads to persistent pain in the buttocks, limping, impaired feeling in the lower extremities, and decreased physical activity. Stenosis can effect the cervical, thoracic and lumbar region of the spine.

Degenerative Disk Disease
Refers to a condition in which pain is caused from a spinal disc. A wide range of symptoms and severity is associated with this condition. It actually is not a disease.

Spondylolisthesis
Is when one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, and occurs most commonly in the lumbar spine.