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.
Arthritis is the most common cause of low back pain, especially in people over age 50. The low back contains five sets of facet joints, one on the left and one on the right side of each spinal bone. Like joints in any other part of the body the low back facet joints can be injured, or become inflamed.