what are the causes of low back pain?

Causes of low back pain

1. Mechanical Causes

Mechanical issues involve the way the spine, muscles, joints and connective tissues fit and move together.

  • Muscle or Ligament Strain

    • Sudden awkward movements or heavy lifting

    • Repetitive bending or twisting

  • Facet Joint Dysfunction

    • Wear-and-tear of the small joints between vertebrae

    • Localized pain, often worsened by extension or rotation

  • Spondylolisthesis

    • One vertebra “slips” forward over the one below it

    • Can cause nerve compression and instability

  • Spinal Stenosis

    • Narrowing of the spinal canal, often age-related

    • Causes neurogenic claudication (pain, numbness when standing/walking)

2. Disc-Related Causes

Discs act as shock absorbers between vertebrae; damage here frequently leads to pain.

  • Herniated (Slipped) Disc

    • Disc nucleus pushes through the annulus, pressing on nerves

    • Sharp or radiating leg pain (sciatica)

  • Degenerative Disc Disease

    • Discs lose hydration and height with age

    • Leads to reduced cushioning, increased load on facet joints

  • Bulging Disc

    • Annulus remains intact but protrudes into the spinal canal

    • May or may not cause nerve irritation

3. Non-Mechanical Causes

Certain medical conditions affect spinal structures or produce referred pain.

  • Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)

    • Joint inflammation leading to stiffness and pain

  • Osteoporosis and Vertebral Compression Fractures

    • Loss of bone density causes “cracks” in vertebrae

    • Sudden onset of severe back pain

  • Infections (e.g., Discitis, Osteomyelitis)

    • Bacterial infection of bones or discs

    • Often accompanied by fever, malaise

  • Tumors

    • Primary or metastatic cancer in vertebrae or spinal canal

    • May present with night pain, unexplained weight loss

4. Referred Pain

Problems in nearby organs can manifest as low back pain.

  • Kidney Stones or Infections

    • Sharp flank pain radiating to the groin

  • Pancreatitis, Gallbladder Disease

    • Pain that may refer to the lower back

  • Gynecological Issues (e.g., Endometriosis, Fibroids)

    • Pelvic pain sometimes felt in the lumbar region

  • Aortic Aneurysm

    • Deep, throbbing pain in the back or abdomen

5. Lifestyle and Postural Factors

  • Poor Posture/Sedentary Lifestyle

    • Prolonged sitting or slouched posture weakens core and back muscles

  • Obesity

    • Extra weight increases lumbar spine load

  • Smoking

    • Impairs blood flow and disc nutrition, slowing healing

  • Stress and Muscle Tension

    • Chronic tension in the paraspinal muscles can lead to pain

🔍 When to Seek Help

If low back pain is associated with:

  • Severe or progressive neurological signs (numbness, weakness)

  • Bowel or bladder dysfunction

  • Unexplained weight loss or fever

  • History of cancer or osteoporosis

…you should consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Related post:

what is low back pain?

what are the symtoms of lower back pain?

what are the physiotherapy treatment for low back pain?

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