Lower Back Pain

Exploring Causes, Associated Injuries, and Effective Treatment Solutions

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Lower back pain is a leading cause of medical visits, affecting nearly 619 million people worldwide^[1]. While some experience temporary discomfort, others develop chronic pain that impacts daily life, mobility, and mental well-being.

Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help you take control of your pain and improve function. This article explores the causes of lower back pain, related conditions, and remedies that could provide relief.

What Is Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain occurs in the lumbar region, the area between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. It can range from a mild, occasional ache to a severe, persistent pain.

There are two types of lower back pain: acute and chronic. Acute lower back pain lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, while chronic pain persists for three months or more. Symptoms associated with lower back pain include:

Dull, aching pain: A persistent discomfort that spreads to the hips or thighs, making movement and daily tasks more difficult.
Sharp or stabbing pain: Sudden, intense pain that worsens with movement, often triggered by bending, lifting, or twisting.
Radiating pain: Discomfort that travels down one or both legs, often linked to nerve irritation like sciatica.
Muscle stiffness or tightness: Restricted movement that makes bending, twisting, or standing up straight challenging.
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing: Increased discomfort after staying in one position for too long.
Numbness or tingling: A pins-and-needles sensation in the lower back, buttocks, or legs, often due to nerve compression.
Weakness in the legs: Difficulty walking or standing, which may indicate nerve involvement and require medical attention.

Potential Causes Of Discomfort In The Lower Back

Lower back pain can stem from nerve issues, muscle strain, joint problems, or underlying health conditions. Understanding the possible causes can help you take the right steps toward relief. The following are some of the most common contributors to lower back pain:

Poor Posture

How you sit, stand, or move throughout the day plays a significant role in your lower back health. Slouching, hunching over screens, or standing with uneven weight distribution can strain your muscles and put excessive pressure on your spine. Poor posture can lead to joint stress, muscle imbalances, and chronic pain over time.

Common posture-related causes of lower back pain include:

Slouching while sitting: Sitting for long periods with a rounded back can weaken core muscles and increase spinal pressure.
Forward head posture: Leaning forward, especially when using a screen, shifts weight unevenly, straining your neck and lower back.
Standing with uneven weight distribution: Shifting weight to one side or locking your knees can misalign your spine, leading to discomfort.
Lack of lumbar support: Sitting without proper back support forces your spine into an unnatural position, increasing tension.

Strains

Strains occur when the ligaments or muscles in your lower back stretch or tear, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. These injuries are common and can develop suddenly or gradually from repetitive movements.

Below are some of the causes of lower back strains:

Lifting heavy objects improperly: Using your back instead of your legs when lifting places excessive strain on your lower back muscles and ligaments, increasing the risk of injury.
Sudden or awkward movements: Twisting, bending, or reaching too quickly, especially without warming up, can overstretch or tear soft tissues in your lower back.
Repetitive stress: Frequent bending, heavy lifting, or prolonged strenuous activities can lead to cumulative strain, weakening the muscles and increasing the likelihood of injury.
Weak core muscles: Your core helps support your spine, and when it’s not strong enough, your lower back has to work harder, making it more prone to strain and discomfort.

Fractures

A fracture in the lower back occurs when one or more vertebrae crack or break. Fractures can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and nerve compression, depending on the severity and location of the break.

Common causes of fractures include:

Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones over time, making them more fragile and prone to fractures. Compression fractures are especially common in older adults with osteoporosis.
Trauma or high-impact injuries: Car accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries can place extreme force on the spine, leading to broken vertebrae.
Repetitive stress: Activities that involve frequent bending, lifting, or high-impact movements, such as gymnastics or weightlifting, can cause minor stress fractures over time.
Tumors or infections: Certain cancers or infections can weaken the bones in your spine, increasing the likelihood of fractures, even with minimal force.

Structural issues

Structural problems in your spine can contribute to persistent lower back pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. When the spine’s natural alignment is disrupted, it can lead to nerve compression, joint dysfunction, and muscle strain. These issues may develop gradually or result from injury, aging, or genetic factors.

Common structural issues that cause lower back pain include:

Herniated or bulging discs: When the soft, cushion-like discs between your vertebrae shift or rupture, they can press on nearby nerves, causing weakness, numbness, or pain.
Degenerative disc disease: Over time, the discs in your spine lose moisture and flexibility, reducing their ability to absorb shock and leading to chronic stiffness and discomfort.
Spinal stenosis: If the spinal canal narrows, it can compress the nerves and spinal cord, often causing pain, tingling, or weakness in the lower back and legs.
Scoliosis and spinal misalignment: An abnormal curvature of the spine can create uneven pressure on the lower back, leading to chronic discomfort and postural imbalances.
Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips out of place over another, it can compress nerves and cause pain, weakness, or difficulty standing and walking.

Kidney Problems

Muscle or spine issues aren’t always the cause of lower back pain—sometimes, it can be a sign of an underlying kidney problem. Your kidneys sit on either side of your spine. When they become infected, inflamed, or develop stones, they can cause pain radiating to your lower back, sides, or abdomen.

The following are some of the common kidney-related causes of lower back pain:

Kidney infections (pyelonephritis): A bacterial infection can cause a sharp or aching pain on one side of your lower back, often with fever, chills, nausea, and frequent urination.
Kidney stones: Hard deposits can cause severe, cramping pain that moves from your lower back to your groin, sometimes with nausea and blood in the urine.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): This genetic disorder leads to fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, sometimes causing dull, persistent lower back pain and high blood pressure.
Kidney swelling (hydronephrosis): A blockage can cause urine buildup, leading to kidney enlargement and pain in the lower back or sides.
Kidney cancer: In rare cases, tumors in the kidney can cause persistent lower back pain, often with unexplained weight loss, blood in the urine, or fatigue.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can contribute to persistent lower back pain, affecting your muscles, joints, or spine. These conditions often cause chronic discomfort, stiffness, and mobility issues, requiring long-term management.

Medical conditions that can lead to lower back pain include:

Fibromyalgia: This condition can cause widespread muscle pain and tenderness in the lower back. It can cause fatigue, sleep disturbances, and increased sensitivity to pain.
Spondylosis: Aging can cause spinal wear and tear, leading to stiffness and discomfort. This may result in bone spurs, disc thinning, and reduced flexibility over time.
Spondylitis: This inflammatory condition affects spinal joints and ligaments, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can also lead to spinal fusion and posture changes.

Conditions That Could Be Causing Your Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can result from various conditions, including disc problems, joint dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. If left untreated, these problems can lead to persistent pain, limited mobility, and a lower quality of life. Identifying the root cause of your discomfort is the first step toward lasting relief.

At Compass Pain and Wellness, you’ll find personalized, evidence-based treatments designed to help you manage and recover from the following conditions:

Lumbar Herniated Disc

A lumbar herniated disc happens when disc material presses a nerve, causing back pain, leg pain, or numbness.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causes lower back, buttock, or leg pain due to joint inflammation or misalignment.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is spinal canal narrowing that compresses nerves, causing pain, numbness, weakness, or walking issues.

Failed Back Surgical Syndrome

Failed Back Surgical Syndrome is ongoing or worsening pain after spine surgery, often due to nerve issues or scar tissue.

Arthritis Pain

Arthritis pain comes from joint inflammation and cartilage loss, causing stiffness, swelling, and limited movement.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is disc wear over time, causing back pain, stiffness, and possible nerve compression symptoms.

Disc Bulge

A disc bulge is when a spinal disc extends outward, possibly pressing nerves and causing local or radiating pain.

Facet Joint Osteoarthritis

Facet joint osteoarthritis is wear of spinal joints, leading to stiffness, localized pain, and limited spinal movement.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is spinal nerve compression causing pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in the arms or legs.

Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitis is inflammation of the SI joints, causing lower back and buttock pain that worsens with standing or movement.

Sciatica

Sciatica is sciatic nerve irritation causing sharp pain from the lower back down through the buttock and leg.

Possible Injuries Associated With Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can stem from a variety of injuries, from mild muscle strains to more serious spinal damage. Whether your pain comes from sudden trauma, overuse, or improper movement, it can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and difficulty moving. Understanding your injury is the first step toward finding the right treatment and recovery plan.

Back injury: Falls, accidents, or improper lifting can damage muscles, ligaments, or vertebrae, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility that may become chronic.
Spinal cord injury: Trauma to the spinal cord can cause numbness, weakness, or paralysis, depending on the severity of nerve compression or damage.
Muscle strain: Overstretching or tearing muscles in the lower back can lead to sharp pain, stiffness, and spasms, making movement difficult.

Diagnosis And Early Detection Of Lower Back Pain

Identifying lower back pain early is essential for preventing long-term discomfort and improving treatment outcomes. When left untreated, minor issues can progress into chronic conditions that limit mobility and quality of life. Seeking medical evaluation at the initial signs of pain allows targeted treatment, faster recovery, and reduced risk of long-term damage.

Early detection helps physicians pinpoint the underlying cause. With an accurate diagnosis, you can receive personalized care—helping you regain function before the pain worsens.

Home Remedies

Depending on the source of your lower back pain, home remedies can provide relief and improve mobility. While they may not replace medical treatment for serious conditions, simple at-home strategies can help reduce discomfort and prevent pain from worsening. By making small adjustments to your routine, you can actively manage your back health.

Cold and heat therapies: Ice can reduce swelling and numb sharp pain. In contrast, heat can relax tense muscles and improve circulation in your lower back.
Limited bed rest: Too much rest can make pain worse. Staying mobile and avoiding long periods of inactivity can help prevent stiffness and speed up recovery.
Physical activity: Gentle movements like walking, stretching, or low-impact exercises can strengthen muscles and support your spine.
Complementary therapies: The following complementary therapies can help reduce lower back pain, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation:
- Acupuncture: In this traditional practice, thin needles are placed at specific points to stimulate pain relief and muscle relaxation.
- Chiropractic adjustments: Spinal adjustments from a licensed chiropractor may help restore alignment, reduce nerve pressure, and relieve lower back pain.
- Therapeutic massage: Massaging tight muscles can improve blood flow, reduce stiffness, and promote relaxation in the lower back.
- Yoga: Gentle poses and stretches can improve flexibility, strengthen your core, and support better posture to relieve tension.
- Tai chi: This slow, controlled movement practice helps increase balance, flexibility, and body awareness, which may ease back pain over time.

We Provide Evidence-Based Treatments for Lower Back Pain

Treatment for lower back pain always begins with a medical evaluation and may include physical therapy, massage, chiropractic care, or interventional pain procedures.

Lower back pain can affect mobility, comfort, and overall well-being, but the right treatment can make a significant difference. Addressing the root cause—whether a muscle strain, joint dysfunction, or nerve compression—allows for more effective, long-term relief.

At Compass Pain and Wellness, you’ll receive personalized, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Through a multidisciplinary approach—including physical therapy, interventional treatments, and lifestyle guidance—you can regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

If you’re struggling with persistent back pain, seeking early treatment can help prevent long-term complications and support lasting recovery.

Treatments for Lower Back Pain at Compass Pain and Wellness may include the following:

For a full list of all treatments we provide, click here.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation help manage chronic pain by reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.

Massage

Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.

Medication Therapy

Medication therapy uses tailored prescriptions to reduce chronic pain and improve daily function and comfort.

Joint Injections

Joint injections deliver medication into affected joints to relieve inflammation and improve range of motion.

Epidural Steroid Injection

Epidural steroid injections reduce spinal inflammation to ease pain radiating from nerve compression or irritation.

Intracept

Intracept targets nerves inside the vertebrae to relieve chronic low back pain linked to vertebral endplate changes.

Nerve Block

Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals from specific nerves to reduce chronic or procedure-related discomfort.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation sends mild electrical signals to disrupt chronic pain from damaged peripheral nerves.

Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

SI joint fusion stabilizes the pelvis to relieve lower back or hip pain caused by joint dysfunction or instability.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation targets specific nerves to interrupt pain signals and provide lasting pain relief.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical pulses to block nerve pain and reduce discomfort in the back or limbs.

Our Providers

Meet our experienced and compassionate team of doctors who specialize in helping you manage your condition. With a patient-centered approach, our doctors work to understand your unique needs and provide compassionate, personalized care. Trust our providers to guide you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.