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Back Pain related information | Back Pain Find ways to get chronic pain relief! Find a right treatment for your chronic pain Join our community - your chronic pain support group. Last Updated: 11/17/2004 Related Healthscout Videos Suffocating Damaged Nerves Back to Life Relieving Back Pain Without Spinal Fusion Spinal Surgery Made Easy Tales from the Womb: Saving Evan from Spina Bifida More... Related News Articles • Health Tip: Manage the Pain of a Neck Sprain More... Back Pain The spine is made up of hollow bones called vertebrae. The nerves that run from the brain to the limbs are housed within the hollow tunnel called the spinal canal. Between vertebrae are the vertebral discs that are made of tough elastic material and act as shock absorbers allowing the spine to bend and twist naturally. These discs can degenerate and become weak with age or due to an injury. Disc Prolapse happens when the soft inner material of the vertebral disc bulges or bursts through the outer lining of cartilage and puts pressure on the spinal nerve. This irritation causes constant back and leg pain. Muscle spasms also occur when the spinal nerves are irritated or damaged. Prolapsed discs are common in people who spend a lot of time in stationery sitting positions, like truck drivers. The condition is also common among people who are involved in tasks that require a lot of twisting and turning of the back and spine. Disc Prolapse - Medication & Treatment Extended bed rest Analgesics Anti-inflammatory drugs Muscle relaxants Surgery