Why Does My Lower Back Hurt?

If you're experiencing lower back pain, you're certainly not alone. In fact, it's estimated that about 80% of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.

While lower back pain can be a nuisance, it's usually not serious. However, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Almost everyone will have an episode of back pain, and many will have several. Most episodes will settle in a few weeks.

This article will explore some of the most common causes of lower back pain and provide some tips for managing the pain.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

There are many potential causes of lower back pain, including:

• Muscle strains and sprains: These are the most common causes of lower back pain. They can occur from lifting heavy objects, doing strenuous exercise, or simply twisting or bending awkwardly.

• Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition that occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in your spine begin to break down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and numbness in the lower back.

• Sciatica: This is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg, is irritated or compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

• Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition that occurs when one of the vertebrae in the spine slips out of place. This can cause pain, stiffness, and numbness in the lower back.

• Osteoarthritis: This is a condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints in the spine wears down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the lower back.

Other Potential Causes

• Spinal stenosis: Occurs when there is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This places pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots resulting in consistent pain.

• Kidney stones: Small, hard deposits of minerals and salts that can form in the kidneys. They can cause pain in the lower back, sides, and abdomen.

• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This can cause pain in the lower back, pelvis, and abdomen.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs. This can cause pain in the lower back, pelvis, and abdomen.

Tips for Managing Lower Back Pain

If you're experiencing lower back pain, there are several things you can do to manage the pain, including:

• Rest: One of the best ways to relieve lower back pain is to rest. This will give your muscles and joints time to heal.

• Ice: Applying ice to the painful area can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

• Heat: Applying heat to the painful area can help to relax muscles and relieve pain.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain.

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improve flexibility.

• Chiropractic care: Chiropractic care can help to improve spinal alignment and relieve pain.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve lower back pain.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if your lower back pain:

• Is severe
• Lasts for more than a few weeks
• Is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, or difficulty passing urine
• Worsens with activity
• Radiates down your leg
• Causes numbness or tingling in your leg or foot

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some common causes of lower back pain?

Muscle strains and sprains, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis.

2. What are some tips for managing lower back pain?

Rest, ice, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, chiropractic care.

3. When should I see a doctor for lower back pain?

If your lower back pain is severe, lasts for more than a few weeks, is accompanied by other symptoms, worsens with activity, radiates down your leg, or causes numbness or tingling in your leg or foot.

4. Can lower back pain be prevented?

There is no surefire way to prevent lower back pain, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and using proper lifting techniques.

5. What is the most common cause of lower back pain?

Muscle strains and sprains are the most common causes of lower back pain.