What are the typical causes of lower back pain?

Lower back pain can be caused by several factors. Muscle or ligament strain happens when you lift something heavy or move awkwardly, causing your muscles to stretch too much. Disc problems, like a herniated disc, occur when the soft material inside a disc pushes out, which can press on nerves. Arthritis is another common cause, where the joints in your spine become inflamed and can lead to pain and stiffness.

Other causes include spinal stenosis, which is when the space around your spinal cord narrows, putting pressure on the nerves. Scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways, can also lead to back pain. Sometimes, lower back pain can result from poor posture or sitting for too long.

Understanding these causes can help in managing and preventing lower back pain. If you experience persistent pain, try our free AI symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your discomfort and when you should seek medical advice.