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.
1 This can cause problems if they rub against nerves, particularly the sciatic nerve, or if they should leak caustic substances onto the nerve itself. This causes approximately 10% of all lower back pain problems.  In rare cases, tumors, pelvic infections and other situations can cause sciatica as well.