What Causes It?
Muscle or ligament strain - Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you're in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.
Bulging or ruptured disks - Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve.
Arthritis - Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis - Your spine's vertebrae can develop painful fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.
Skeletal irregularities - A condition in which your spine curves to the side (scoliosis) can lead to back pain, usually not until middle age.
Spinal stenosis - A narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Sciatica - Compression of the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated disk or bone spur.
Poor posture - Improper alignment of your body when sitting or standing puts strain on the back.
Psychological stress - Emotional stress can cause muscle tension, which may lead to back pain or make existing pain worse.
Occupational activities - Jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or twisting can lead to back injury and pain.
Signs & Symptoms
Muscle ache - Dull, aching pain in the lower back.
Shooting or stabbing pain - Sharp, localized pain that may radiate down your leg.
Pain that radiates down your leg - Often described as sciatica, this is pain that extends from your buttock down the back of your leg.
Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing or walking - Activities that put strain on your back can increase pain.
Pain that improves with reclining - Lying down often relieves pressure on the spine and can temporarily reduce pain.
Muscle stiffness - Difficulty moving or bending due to tightness in the lower back.
Reduced range of motion - Difficulty bending, twisting, or straightening your back.
Numbness or tingling - Sensations that may indicate nerve compression or damage.
Weakness - Difficulty standing or walking, or leg weakness, which could indicate nerve damage.
Pain that persists for weeks - Chronic pain that doesn't resolve with rest or self-care measures.