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.
Kidney stones are another potential cause of lower back pain. This is caused by a solid stone of calcium or another mineral that can cause pain inside the kidneys. As we have one on either side at the back this pain can occur specifically on one side of the body. Fortunately the other symptoms make kidney stones fairly easy to identify. Normally these will also cause pain in the abdominals, pain during urine and potentially blood in the urine too.