Most causes of low back pain are preventable and easily remedied at little to no cost to employees and/or the employer. As we get older, the spine naturally degenerates as an effect of the natural aging process. When we put unnecessary stress on our spine with awkward postures and overexertion, the degeneration process is sped up and the instance of low back pain can become an even more serious disease process. When muscles remain in a contracted state, blood and oxygen cannot circulate and the muscles start to atrophy and pain begins to set in. Pain from muscle tissue degeneration or nerve compression, in the case of herniated or bulging disks, can be debilitating.
Traumatic back injuries are more difficult to prevent and treat. Most traumatic back injuries are caused by automobile or industrial accidents or are related to sports injuries. They happen suddenly due to unforeseen circumstances.