Lower Back Pain: Common Types, Causes & Treatments

Key takeaways:

• Lower back pain is a common health issue. Pain can range from mild to severe.
• Recognizing the types, symptoms, and causes of lower back pain will help you determine the best course of treatment and when you should see your physician.
• Simple lifestyle changes, preventive measures, and early treatment can help to reduce your pain and prevent future episodes.

Lower back pain is widespread, with up to 80% of adults experiencing it at some point in their lives. It can range from a dull, nagging ache to sharp, debilitating pain affecting mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life. Often, lower back pain is the result of everyday activities, like poor posture or overexertion, but it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition.

Let’s look at the types of lower back pain, their common causes and symptoms, and how you can find relief. You’ll also learn prevention tips and when it’s time for medical care. Whether you’re dealing with occasional discomfort or ongoing pain, understanding the basics of lower back pain is your first step to getting relief.

Lower back pain defined

Lower back pain is a type of back pain that can be defined as any discomfort or painful stiffness in the area of your lumbar spine, the part of your back between your ribcage and pelvis. This important region supports much of your body’s weight, making it a prime candidate for injury and strain.

There are two main types of lower back pain. Both of these are based on the duration of the pain:

• Acute lower back pain: This type of pain usually lasts less than six weeks and is often the result of a sudden injury or strain.
• Chronic lower back pain: This is lower back pain that has continued for three months or longer. Back pain going on for this long may indicate a more serious underlying issue.

The severity of lower back pain can vary wildly, from mild soreness that usually resolves on its own to persistent pain that requires medical intervention.

Abnormal vs. normal lower back pain

While lower back pain is common, understanding what’s considered in the range of normal and what’s not can help you take appropriate action to get relief:

• Normal lower back pain: While no amount of pain is normal, it’s common to experience lower back pain due to temporary factors like overexertion or poor posture. This pain usually resolves with rest, stretching, or simple at-home treatments.
• Abnormal lower back pain: This includes pain that continues despite rest or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, weakness, or fever. This type of pain may also signal an underlying problem and should be evaluated by your doctor.

By telling the difference between normal and abnormal low back pain, you can better decide whether self-care at home or an evaluation by a medical professional is needed.

Health risks associated with lower back pain

Untreated or poorly managed lower back pain can lead to long-term consequences, including:

• Reduced mobility: Chronic low back pain can limit your ability to perform daily tasks, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. This comes with other health risks, such as being unable to exercise, and can add to the risk of unwanted weight gain.
• Compensatory injuries: To avoid pain, you may unconsciously change your posture or gait to compensate, putting stress on other areas of your body, such as your hips or knees. It’s not uncommon to suffer another injury as a result of low back pain.
• Mental health concerns: Chronic low back pain is linked to anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep patterns.
• Increased risk of injury: Weak muscles and limited flexibility make your back more vulnerable to additional injuries. This can be extremely frustrating when trying to recover from the original problem, as the tendency to reinjure yourself is high.

Understanding these risks underlines the importance of addressing your lower back pain early and effectively so you don’t have to suffer needless complications.

Main types of lower back pain

The main types of lower back pain stem from various conditions affecting the muscles, discs, nerves, and spine, each with distinct symptoms and treatment approaches.

Muscle strain

One of the most common causes of lower back pain is a strain on your back muscles. A muscle strain occurs when your back muscles or ligaments are overstretched or torn. Symptoms can include localized soreness, stiffness, and difficulty moving.

Herniated disc

A herniated or slipped disc happens when the soft interior of a spinal disc pushes through its tough outer layer, often compressing nearby nerves.

This can cause pain that radiates down one or both of your legs and is usually a sign that your sciatic nerve has become irritated or injured.

Sciatica

Sciatica involves irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This large nerve originates in your lower back and then branches off into two nerves that go down each of your legs to just below your knees. Sciatica is the term used to refer to pain in the sciatic nerve. The pain of sciatica usually affects just one side of your body. Symptoms can include sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in your back, buttocks, and legs.

Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease (DJD) results from the natural aging process, where your normally plump, cushiony spinal discs lose their shock-absorbing ability. DJD can lead to stiffness, chronic back pain, and reduced spine flexibility.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis involves a narrowing of your spinal canal. This places pressure on your spinal cord and nerves and often causes pain, weakness, and difficulty walking.

Symptoms associated with lower back pain

Lower back pain is often accompanied by specific symptoms that can help identify its cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Sharp or stabbing pain

This type of pain can often indicate nerve involvement, such as from sciatica or a herniated disc.

Stiffness and limited mobility

Muscle strain or arthritis can cause stiffness, making it difficult to bend or perform your everyday activities.

Radiating pain

Pain that extends (radiates) from your lower back to your hips, legs, or feet is a hallmark of nerve compression. This should be medically evaluated as soon as possible.

Numbness or tingling

Numbness or tingling in your lower back, buttocks, or legs can indicate nerve damage and should be promptly evaluated by your physician.

Causes of lower back pain

Lower back pain can result from lifestyle factors, injuries, or underlying medical conditions that affect the spine and surrounding structures.

Poor posture

Sitting, standing, or sleeping in an improper position can place a lot of stress on your lower back over time and lead to pain.

Physical injury

Sports injuries, falls, or car accidents can all lead to sprains, fractures, or soft tissue damage in your lumbar spine region. If you've injured your lower back while moving, read our guides on lower back pain when running, bending over, walking, and lifting.

Obesity

Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on your spine and surrounding muscles, increasing the likelihood of low back pain.

Medical conditions

Conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and kidney infections can also cause lower back pain.

How to get short-term relief from lower back pain

Short-term relief from lower back pain often involves a combination of rest, therapies, and supportive tools to ease discomfort and promote healing.

Rest and gentle movement

If you are experiencing low back pain, you should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.

Doing light stretches or walking can help to prevent stiffness and also help to maintain your flexibility.

Heat or cold therapy

Try applying a heating pad to relax tense back muscles or use an ice pack over the painful area to reduce swelling and inflammation. Alternate between the two for the best results.

Use caution not to burn your skin with a heating pad that is too hot. Also, avoid placing an ice pack over bare skin. Instead, use a thin towel to wrap the ice pack before application.

Over-the-counter medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (brand names such as Aleve, Motrin, or Advil) can temporarily relieve pain and inflammation.

Use NSAIDs according to the package directions and avoid taking these on an empty stomach, as they may cause stomach upset.

Supportive tools

Using a lumbar support cushion or wearing a back brace can help you maintain proper posture and reduce strain on your lower back.

Read our full guide on back pain treatments for more.

How to prevent lower back pain

Preventing lower back pain involves adopting healthy habits and exercises that support spinal health and reduce strain on your back.

Maintain good posture

Use ergonomically designed chairs and keep your back straight when sitting or standing to reduce strain on your spine.

Strengthen core muscles

Exercises like planks, bridges, yoga, and Pilates can improve and strengthen your core musculature, which supports your lower back.

Practice safe lifting techniques

Always bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury.

Stay active

Engaging in regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall muscle strength and flexibility.

When you should see a doctor about lower back pain

Knowing when to seek medical attention for lower back pain is crucial to addressing serious underlying conditions and preventing complications.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your lower back pain continues for more than two weeks or worsens over time.
• You are experiencing symptoms like fever, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty walking.
• You have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, especially if this interferes with your daily activities.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You have sudden, severe back pain that occurs after a fall or injury.
• You lose control of your bladder or bowels, a potential sign of cauda equina syndrome.

Questions to ask your doctor about lower back pain

Asking your physician questions like these can help you to understand the possible cause of your lower back pain and also your physician’s plan for treatment.

• What is the likely cause of my back pain?
• Are additional tests, like X-rays or MRIs, necessary?
• What treatment options do you recommend for my condition?
• Is there anything more I can do at home to help alleviate my back pain?
• How can I prevent back pain from recurring?

How a doctor may help treat lower back pain

Doctors can provide various treatments for lower back pain, ranging from physical therapy to advanced medical interventions, based on the severity and cause of your symptoms.

Physical therapy

A tailored program of exercises prescribed and supervised by a physical therapist can strengthen your muscles, help to improve your posture, and reduce your pain.

Prescription medications

If your lower back pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe such medications as muscle relaxants or prescription-strength pain relievers.

Corticosteroid injections

Depending on the underlying cause of your pain, steroid injections into the affected area can reduce inflammation and help to provide longer-term relief.

Surgical intervention

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to address problems like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Frequently asked questions: lower back pain

Here are answers to common questions about lower back pain, including what to do for sudden pain, how long it may last, and which specialists can help.

What if you feel sudden lower back pain?

For sudden lower back pain, you should rest and apply ice or heat to the painful area. NAISDs can be taken according to the package directions for pain. If your pain doesn’t improve within a few days, you should see your healthcare provider.

How long can lower back pain last?

Pain that comes on suddenly due to a muscle strain or relatively minor injury typically resolves within six weeks. Chronic pain may last for months or even longer.

What specialists treat lower back pain?

While your family physician can diagnose and treat you for an acute episode of lower back pain, if the pain does not quickly resolve, a specialist referral may be necessary.

Orthopedic doctors often treat low back pain. If there are signs of nerve involvement, a referral to a neurologist may be in order. Your doctor may enlist physical therapists or chiropractors to help with parts of your treatment plan.

Managing lower back pain

Lower back pain is a common condition with many possible causes. While most cases improve with simple at-home care, knowing when to seek professional medical help can prevent complications and promote recovery. By putting preventive measures into place and addressing your symptoms early, you can reduce pain, prevent repeated injury, and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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