What are the common causes of lower back pain?

Strains and Sprains: Most common cause of back pain is an injury to the muscle or ligament (strains and sprains) due to an acute trauma or overuse syndromes, postural mechanics and other causes . Can also be do to osteoarthritis, herniated disc, nerve irritation, joint disorders and many others.

Many: Many causes of low back including: musculoskeletal strain/sprain/spasm, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, annular disc tear, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spondylosis/arthritis, metastatic cancer to bone and the list goes on and on. Most important - get a work-up by your physician to determine the cause and only then can treatment options be considered.

Soft tissue strains: The diagnosis for 70-80% of low back pain is non-specific low back pain, referring to sprains and strains of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Herniated and degenerated discs are frequently misdiagnosed as the cause of back pain. Up to 40% of individuals may have herniated discs and 70% degenerated discs, without pain, so having them doesn’t tell you that is the cause. A muscle exam is often needed.