Anyone you talk to has a back pain story they can tell you. It's as common as the birds in the trees. From unexplained pains in the back, to waking up in the morning with your back stiff and sore, back pain affects everyone at one point or another in their life. Often, no specific cause can be found in spite of testing and exams. You may attribute it to having "slept wrong," and go on about your life giving it no further thought until it happens again.

Many people with back pain think it is simply a sign of getting older. While age may play a small part in it, back pain isn't necessarily a sign of age. Many people can go through life right up to the day of their death without any problems with their back, yet people of a very young age often have back complaints. Of course, there are certain factors that may cause you to have an ache or pain in the back. Muscle strain is very common, especially if you have the type of job that requires you to do a lot of heavy lifting.

Not sitting or standing correctly can have an effect on your posture, which in turn can cause your back to hurt. Proper footwear is essential in relieving backache. Your feet, and how you take care of them have an effect on how your back feels. People with flat feet tend to have more back problems than those with a good arch in their foot. Wear a shoe with an arch support fitted to it to relieve some of the strain on your back.

Certain health issues can also cause your back to hurt. Kidney stones, for example will cause excruciating pain in the lower portion of your back on one side or another. Problems with the kidneys themselves will cause pain. Injuries will often manifest themselves years after the actual incident. Accidents or trauma to the back can cause many problems, also. People who have been involved in car accidents often suffer from back pain for the rest of their lives. Back pain is more common than you think.

The way you sleep, and what you are sleeping on can also cause you to have a back that aches continually. If your mattress has lost the ability to support your weight and your back, you are going to have to buy a new one. To be sure it is the mattress, try sleeping somewhere else for a night or two and see if the pain disappears. If you feel fine when you wake up, you will know for certain that it's the mattress that needs replacing and not your back.

See a doctor who specializes in back care if your problems continue. He will do specific tests to try to find the cause. As a last resort he may recommend that you see a chiropractor for some specific spinal manipulation, if he is unable to determine the cause of your pain. Chiropractors have extensive training in treating back ailments, and great success in their treatments. Chances are you will feel considerably better after a few visits.