5 Most Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Muscle strain: A common cause of lower back pain.

Strain of muscles and ligaments is a common injury that affects the tissues supporting the spine, causing partial or complete tears or excessive stretching. This strain is one of the main causes of lower back pain, and it often results from daily activities that require physical exertion.

How Does Lower Back Muscle and Ligament Strain Occur?

• Improper weightlifting: Lifting heavy weights with incorrect form can strain the back muscles and ligaments, leading to tears or pulls.
• Sudden and rapid movements: Abrupt and unexpected movements increase pressure on the spine and surrounding muscles, making them more susceptible to injury.
• Prolonged sitting or standing in incorrect postures: Maintaining poor posture for extended periods causes uneven weight distribution on the spine, resulting in muscle strain and spasms.

The Connection Between Physical Stress and Lower Back Pain

Repeated physical stress leads to increased pressure on the back muscles, causing painful muscle spasms that can turn into chronic pain if left untreated. Additionally, continuous physical stress weakens the back muscles and reduces their flexibility, increasing the risk of muscle strain or ligament tears.

Herniated Disc and Chronic Lower Back Pain: A Strong Connection

Intervertebral discs, the soft, spongy cushions between the vertebrae of the spine, function as shock absorbers and enable spinal flexibility. Over time, these discs can degenerate or herniate, resulting in pressure on adjacent nerves and causing severe, chronic lower back pain.

How Does a Herniated Disc Occur and Affect the Lower Back?

A herniated disc occurs when a portion of the soft inner material of the spinal disc bulges out and presses on a nearby nerve. This pressure can cause severe pain that may radiate down the leg, as well as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. These symptoms can significantly impact a person's quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.

Symptoms of Herniated Disc and Lower Back Pain

Herniated discs are a common cause of lower back pain. Symptoms may include sharp pain that radiates into the leg, numbness or tingling in the extremities, muscle weakness, and difficulty moving. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. ¹  

Arthritis and Lower Back Pain

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common types of arthritis that directly affect the spinal joints, making them major causes of lower back pain.

How Does Arthritis Lead to Cartilage Breakdown in the Spine?

As arthritis progresses, the protective cartilage in the joints between the vertebrae gradually wears away. This wear and tear leads to direct bone-on-bone friction, causing inflammation, joint damage, and chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back. This type of pain, resulting from cartilage breakdown, is a common cause of lower back pain, especially in individuals with osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis affecting the spine. In addition to pain, these individuals may experience limited range of motion and difficulty performing daily activities.

The Relationship Between Aging and Increased Risk of Arthritis-Related Lower Back Pain

Aging is a primary risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like those in the spine. As we age, cartilage gradually loses its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage and wear, thereby increasing the risk of chronic lower back pain.

Osteoporosis and Lower Back Pain

Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by a decrease in bone density and strength, making bones fragile and susceptible to fractures. Spinal fractures resulting from osteoporosis can lead to chronic lower back pain.

How Does Osteoporosis Increase the Risk of Spinal Fractures?

Individuals with osteoporosis are at a higher risk of fractures, even from minor falls or injuries. These fractures can cause structural deformities in the spine, increasing pressure on nerves and exacerbating chronic lower back pain.

The Connection Between Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency and Lower Back Pain

Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are major contributing factors to weak and brittle bones. These deficiencies make bones more prone to fractures, thereby increasing the risk of chronic lower back pain. Therefore, obtaining adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements plays a vital role in preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone health.

Other Factors Contributing to Lower Back Pain

• Psychological stress can lead to increased muscle tension, particularly in the lower back, which can increase the likelihood of muscle spasms, a common cause of lower back pain.
• Maintaining proper sitting and standing posture is essential for preventing back pain. Prolonged sitting in an incorrect posture puts stress on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back, which can lead to pain and spasms.
• Genetics play a role in increasing the risk of certain spinal problems, such as osteoporosis and herniated discs, which can increase the likelihood of experiencing lower back pain.

In conclusion, we have explored a wide range of common causes of lower back pain, from muscle strain and herniated discs to arthritis, osteoporosis, and psychological factors as well as poor posture. This highlights the importance of an accurate diagnosis to receive appropriate treatment. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding improper lifting are helpful factors in preventing and reducing lower back pain.