Bring about 2 inches of water to boil in a large pan. Slice potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces and place them in a steamer (metal or bamboo) that fits into the pan without letting the potatoes touch the boiling water. Steam them for 7 minutes. For extra flavor, steam garlic and onions with the potatoes.
Inflammation of the joints (arthritis) of the spine sometimes causes back pain. Osteoarthritis is the common form of arthritis and usually occurs in older people. Ankylosing spondylitis is another form of arthritis that can occur in young adults and which causes pain and stiffness in the lower back.
Pain in the lower back has a multitude of causes. The discs, facets, pars interarticularis, sacroiliac joints, hip joints and nerves can all cause a form of lower back pain. Even compression fractures at T12 and a high grade thoracic hyperkyphosis (increased thoracic curve) can cause lower back pain.