A backache or back pain which usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. It is a common problem encountered by many people due to poor diet and bad posture. It occurs when the flexibility of the spine is affected. Also, the condition can be the result of a spinal disc problem, injury to the ligaments around the spine, nerves emerging from the spinal cord, injury to muscles of the back, or diseases of the organs of the pelvis. 

When we use the muscles that can voluntarily be controlled, such as those of our arms and legs, they alternately contract and relax as they move. Muscles that support our head, neck, and trunk contract similarly in a synchronized fashion to maintain our posture. A muscle (or even a few fibres of a muscle) that involuntarily contracts is called a spasm. If the spasm is forceful and sustained, it becomes a cramp. A muscle cramp is thus defined as an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. This causes a visible or palpable hardening of the involved muscle.