Low Back Pain Causes & Risks

Causes

There are many possible causes for low back pain, including:

Sprain or strain of muscles or ligaments in the area (most common cause of back pain)
Herniated (ruptured) disc —the cushions between the bones of the spine bulge out of place
Disc degeneration , caused by aging or arthritis
Spinal stenosis —narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar area
Spondylolisthesis —slippage of a bone in the lower back
Fractures due to trauma and/or osteoporosis
Fibromyalgia —a condition that causes muscle aches and fatigue
Ankylosing spondylitis —a hereditary disorder involving the spine
In rare cases:
- Benign or malignant tumors
- Infections
- Arterial problems such as as an aortic aneurysm

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing low back pain. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

Older age
Certain activities (such as lifting)
Sedentary lifestyle
Pregnancy
Obesity
Smoking
Injury
Preexisting back injury due to:
- Lifting a heavy object
- Improper lifting
- Sudden movement, bending, or twisting
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Bad posture
- Vibration from vehicles or heavy equipment
Prior back surgery
Other factors which may negatively influence back pain include:
- Psychological factors, such as low job satisfaction
- Fatigue or sleep deficit
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Stress

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.