Back Pain Treatment Training Practice Test 2026 - Free Back Pain Treatment Practice Questions and Study Guide

A compression fracture is considered a mechanical cause of back pain because it directly involves the spinal structure. This type of fracture occurs when one or more vertebrae in the spine collapse, usually due to conditions like osteoporosis, trauma, or excessive stress on the spine. The collapse can lead to instability in the spinal column, resulting in pain and discomfort. The pain associated with a compression fracture is often localized to the area of the injury and may worsen with movement or certain positions.

In contrast, the other options represent non-mechanical causes of back pain. Renal disease can cause referred pain to the back due to kidney issues. Malignancy may result in back pain when cancer spreads to the spine or affects nearby tissues, but it involves systemic processes rather than mechanical disruption of spinal structures. Inflammatory spondyloarthropathy encompasses chronic inflammatory conditions that can cause back pain through inflammatory processes affecting the joints and ligaments rather than a mechanical injury or structural issue.