Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is extremely common because this part of the spine bears most of the body's weight and absorbs stress from everyday bending, lifting, and twisting.

Muscle and Ligament Strain

The most common cause by far — from lifting something heavy or awkwardly, sudden movements, or poor posture sustained over time. This type of pain usually improves within days to a few weeks.

Disc Problems

A bulging or herniated disc can press on nearby nerves, causing pain that may radiate into the buttock or leg — when it follows the sciatic nerve's path, this is called sciatica and is a distinct, well-defined condition.

Degenerative Changes

Age-related wear on the spine's discs and joints (osteoarthritis of the spine) is a common cause in older adults, often causing stiffness alongside pain.

Less Common but Important Causes

Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), compression fractures (more common with osteoporosis), and, rarely, infection or a spinal tumor can also cause lower back pain — these are why persistent or unusual symptoms deserve evaluation rather than assumption.

This guide draws on clinical guidance from Mayo Clinic, the MSD Manuals, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).