Here’s what you need to know:
Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Muscle or ligament strain: This is the most common cause of lower back pain, and it usually occurs from lifting something heavy or twisting the back awkwardly.
- Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner part of the disc pushes through the tougher outer part and irritates nearby nerves, causing pain.
- Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and numbness.
- Degenerative disc disease: This condition occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in the spine break down over time, causing pain and stiffness.
- Sciatica: Sciatica is a type of lower back pain that radiates down the leg and is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.