Lower Back Pain

A very common health condition that is often caused by a strain to muscles or tendons in the back is called lower back pain. However, it may also occur due to other causes, including structural problems, disk injuries, arthritis, and others. Most of the time, physicians recommend rest, physical therapy, and medicines to relieve pain.

Furthermore, nearly all people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. While for most people who develop it, pain is temporary, some people may experience chronic lower back pain. The long-lasting form of this condition affects about 23% of adults in the world. In more severe cases, this condition may affect your ability to walk, sleep, work, or perform daily activities.

Generally, it is difficult to estimate how many people suffer from lower back pain because most of them have mild symptoms and do not report them.

What Are The Symptoms of Lower Back Pain?

Usually, this condition causes a wide range of symptoms. It may also:

Come on suddenly or appear gradually
Occur after a specific event (such as bending over to pick something)
Feel sharp, dull, or achy
Have an unknown trigger
Radiate down to the buttocks or leg (sciatica)
Worsens when a person stays in certain positions (such as crouching down)

However, it may also cause other symptoms. Examples include:

Stiffness – Sometimes, lower back pain can make it difficult to move or straighten your back. You may also notice a reduced range of motion.
Posture problems – A lot of people with this condition find it difficult to stand up straight. They may stand bent with their torso off to the side.
Muscle spasms – This is another common symptom in people with lower back pain. It causes the lower back to spasm or contract uncontrollably. In rare cases, muscle spasms can cause severe pain.

If any of the previous symptoms occur, contact your healthcare professional. Otherwise, it may lead to unpleasant outcomes.

Causes

There are multiple injuries and disorders that can cause lower back pain. This type of pain is common because the lumbar (low back) vertebrae (bones) provide a lot of support to the body. For instance, they provide stability for the rest of the body, support most of the body’s weight, function as the center of the body’s balance, and others. Any problem with these important structures may lead to lower back pain. Check some potential causes of this condition below:

Strains and sprains – These are among the most common causes of lower back pain. While some people injure their muscles, tendons, and ligaments by lifting heavy objects or not lifting safely, others may strain their back by sneezing, coughing, twisting, or bending over.
Spinal fractures – Sometimes, the lumbar spine can break due to an accident (such as a car crash or a fall). However, the risk of developing bone fractures significantly increases in people with osteoporosis (bone loss), spondylolysis (a specific type of stress fracture), and others.
Disk issues – The primary task of spinal disks is to provide a cushion between the vertebrae. However, these disks can bulge from their original position in the spine and put extra pressure on a nerve (also known as a pinched nerve). Some people may also develop a herniated disk or degenerative disk disease that often occurs with aging.
Structural differences – In some cases, people develop lower back pain due to an underlying condition known as spinal stenosis. It occurs when the spinal column is too narrow for the spinal cord. Therefore, a person may experience severe sciatic nerve pain and lower back pain when something pinches the spinal cord (such as vertebral bone spurs). In some cases, lumbar scoliosis and spondylolisthesis may also cause lower back pain.
Arthritis – The most common types of arthritis that cause lower back pain are osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (a condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the spine).
Other diseases – The following conditions may also contribute to lower back pain. Examples include certain types of cancer, infections, spine tumors, kidney stones, abdominal aortic aneurysm, fibromyalgia, and others.

Temporary Causes

Some people may develop temporary lower back pain due to other causes. Check some examples below:

Menstrual cramps – Some people may experience this condition during their menstrual period.
Pregnancy – Usually, pregnant women experience lower back pain (especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy). Most of the time, it happens due to hormonal changes, increasing weight from the uterus and fetus, and a changing center of gravity.
Back labor – In such cases, pain in the lower back appears during labor. Commonly, it happens when the baby is facing your belly instead of your back.

Risk Factors

While anyone can develop lower back pain, doctors have identified some factors that could elevate your risk. Check some examples below:

Weight – Those who have excessive body weight (a body mass index or BMI higher than 25) are more prone to lower back pain. The risk increases because excess weight puts extra pressure on the spine disks and joints.
Age – Those who are over 30 years old are more likely to develop lower back pain. Moreover, vertebral disks wear away with age, which increases the risk of developing this condition.
Poor core strength – Some people develop lower back pain due to weakened abdominal muscles that cannot properly support their spine.
Overall health – Poor habits may also contribute to lower back pain. For example, smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, lack of physical activity, and others.
Occupation and hobbies – If you are lifting heavy objects every day or frequently bending, you are at increased risk of a back injury. Furthermore, lower back pain occurs more frequently among athletes.
Mental disorders – According to some studies, depression is linked with back pain. However, more research is needed to confirm these studies.

Is There a Way to Prevent Lower Back Pain?

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent this condition, but doctors may recommend some tips to reduce the risk. Examples include:

Physical exercise – You should aim for 30 minutes of physical exercise per day, at least 5 days a week. It will help get or maintain a healthy weight. Excessive body weight puts extra pressure on the vertebrae and risks in the spine.
Exercise programs to strengthen core, hips, and back muscles (such as Pilates)
Lift heavy objects safely – Generally, it is recommended to avoid injuries and lift heavy objects with your legs, not your back. Moreover, you should hold heavy items close to your body and avoid twisting your torso while lifting them.
Warming up before physical exercise – There are a lot of people who ignore warming up. Hence, it may lead to unpleasant outcomes, especially if you are starting physical exercise with heavy weights.

Diagnosis

Like the diagnosis of many other health conditions, the diagnosis of lower back pain starts with a physical examination and questions about the symptoms and medical history. However, to check your spine for injuries, doctors often perform the following tests. For example:

Spine X-ray – This test uses radiation to make images of the bones.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan – This is another imaging test used to get detailed images of different structures and organs in the body. In this case, doctors perform it to examine the bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.
CT (computerized tomography) scan – It is used to get 3D images of the bones and other soft tissues.
Electromyography (EMG) – Physicians often perform this test to determine the function of nerves and muscles.
Blood and urine tests – These tests are used to check for genetic markers for some health conditions that may lead to back pain (such as ankylosing spondylitis).

Treatment

While mild forms of lower back pain can be managed with rest, ice, and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, doctors may recommend the following options if you develop moderate to severe back pain. Check some examples below:

Medicines – Physicians usually recommend NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce inflammation and some prescription medicines to ease pain. Sometimes, they may also prescribe muscle relaxers to relieve muscle spasms.
Physical therapy – During this therapy, doctors will teach you specific exercises that will help strengthen the muscles.
Injections – In some cases, doctors will give you a lumbar epidural steroid injection to manage chronic (long-term) lower back pain.
Massage therapy – This option is used to treat back pain and restore function. In some cases, doctors may also recommend osteopathic manipulation or chiropractic adjustments.
Surgery – It is used to treat lower back injuries. They may include minimally invasive techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prognosis for someone with lower back pain?

Typically, the outlook for people with this condition varies because it depends on several factors. For example, the severity and underlying cause of the condition, how long the pain lasts, your response to treatment, age, and overall health. For more details, discuss it with your physician.

When should I go to the ER?

Immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if any of the following symptoms occur. Examples include:

Age – People over 55 years old who experience back pain without an obvious reason should visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Severe pain
Unexplained weight loss
A personal history of cancer
Weakened immune system

What is the best way to get rid of lower back pain?

Generally, staying active and combining targeted exercises with physical therapy is one of the best ways to get rid of this condition. In more severe cases, people may need prescription medicines, injections, and surgery.

Can lower back pain go away on its own?

Yes. Most cases of acute lower back pain improve within a few days to a few weeks with rest, gentle activity, and home treatments such as ice, heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if the pain persists for more than a few weeks, becomes severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider.

Can sitting for long periods cause lower back pain?

Yes. Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, places extra stress on the muscles, ligaments, and spinal discs in the lower back. Taking regular breaks to stand, stretch, and walk, along with maintaining proper posture and using an ergonomic chair, can help reduce the risk of back pain.

Is walking beneficial for lower back pain?

In many cases, yes. Walking is a low-impact exercise that helps improve blood flow, strengthen supporting muscles, and promote flexibility. However, if walking significantly worsens your pain or causes numbness or weakness in your legs, stop the activity and seek medical advice.

Can stress cause lower back pain?

Yes. Emotional stress can lead to increased muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Chronic stress may also make you feel more intense pain. Stress management techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation exercises may help reduce stress-related back pain.

How should I sleep if I have lower back pain?

Sleeping in a position that keeps your spine aligned may help reduce discomfort. Many people find relief by sleeping on their side with a pillow between their knees or on their back with a pillow under their knees. Choosing a supportive mattress and pillow can also improve sleep quality and reduce back pain.

Can lower back pain be a sign of a serious medical condition?

Although most cases are caused by muscle strains or other mechanical problems, lower back pain can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, such as a spinal infection, fracture, cancer, kidney disease, or an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Seek immediate medical attention if your pain is accompanied by fever, unexplained weight loss, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe weakness, or numbness around the groin or buttocks.

What exercises should I avoid if I have lower back pain?

During an active episode of lower back pain, it is generally best to avoid exercises that place excessive stress on the spine, such as heavy weightlifting, high-impact activities, deep twisting movements, or exercises that significantly increase pain. A healthcare provider or physical therapist can recommend a personalized exercise program that safely strengthens your back and core muscles while supporting recovery. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.