Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle or ligament strain, spinal disc problems, poor posture, injuries, and certain medical conditions. Common causes include:
- Muscle or myofascial strain from overuse or improper lifting.
- Herniated or bulging spinal discs that press on nerves.
- Sprains or tears in tendons or muscles due to twisting or heavy lifting.
- Spinal abnormalities like scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or vertebrae slipping (spondylolisthesis).
- Arthritis such as osteoarthritis or inflammatory types like ankylosing spondylitis.
- Injuries from falls, accidents, or trauma leading to fractures or muscle spasms.
- Poor lifestyle habits like slouching, excess weight, lack of exercise, or smoking.
- Sometimes pain can be referred from nearby organs such as kidneys or gastrointestinal issues.
The pain may be acute or chronic and can range from mild to severe. It is often linked to everyday activities, and in many cases, no serious underlying condition is found. If the pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or bladder issues, medical evaluation is important to rule out more serious causes like nerve compression or fractures.
If more details about symptoms, duration, or recent activities are known, a more specific cause can be considered.
