Reviewed By:
Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.
Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.
Content updated on Jan 4, 2023
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Low back pain
Pain in the lower back worsens when standing up
Pain on one side started first
Lying on the back improves pain
Lower back hurts even when sitting still
Low back pain improves with exercise
Lower back pain aggravated by pressing
Pain in the lower back with slouching
Bending over hurts my lower back a lot
Lower back pain that makes me want to sit down
Low back pain when standing straight
Low back pain aggravated by sneezing
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Low back pain describes pain felt below the waist. It can be aching, pressing, sharp, or dull in nature.
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Generally, Lower back pain can be related to:
A fracture of the spine bones, often occurring in older patients with osteoporosis (bone weakening). It can be caused by small amounts of force, such as falling on one's buttocks or lifting heavy objects. Some patients may dismiss it as a normal backache, only to be diagnosed later when an X-ray is performed.
Sudden pain in the lower back can be caused by muscle strain, such as after lifting heavy objects or coughing vigorously. In some cases, the pain is apparent upon waking up and no preceding cause is found.
Narrowing of the canal surrounding the nerves. It can be caused by normal wear and tear of the spine or by a previous injury to the region.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Q.
What diseases could cause lower back pain?
A.
Lower back pain might be caused by an issue in the spine itself, or it may come from elsewhere, including from diseases or psychological factors like stress.
References:
Japanese Orthopaedic Association, Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research. Clinical Guidelines for Low Back Pain, 2nd Revised Edition. Nan'endo, 2019.
https://minds.jcqhc.or.jp/docs/gl_pdf/G0001110/4/Low_back_pain.pdf
Q.
Can lower back pain be caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine?
A.
If you feel pain or tingling not only in your lower back but also in your buttocks, the back of your thighs, or your shins, it might be a sign of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine.
References:
Clinical Practice Guideline Committee for Lumbar Disc Herniation & Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment Guideline Development Committee. Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment Guidelines, 3rd Edition, Revised 2021. Nankodo; 2021. Referenced August 5, 2023.
Q.
Can I get back pain before or during my period?
A.
Yes, back pain before or during your period is part of menstrual symptoms and cramps, and many women experience it.
References:
Smith, Derek R et al. Menstrual disorders and their influence on low back pain among Japanese nurses. Industrial health. 2009, 47, p.301-12.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19531916/
Huei-Mein Chen. Randomized Trial of Modified Stretching Exercise Program for Menstrual Low Back Pain. West J Nurs Res. 2019, 41, p.238-257.
Will JS, Bury DC, Miller JA. Mechanical Low Back Pain. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Oct 1;98(7):421-428. PMID: 30252425.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/1001/p421.htmlKnezevic NN, Candido KD, Vlaeyen JWS, Van Zundert J, Cohen SP. Low back pain. Lancet. 2021 Jul 3;398(10294):78-92. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00733-9. Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34115979.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00733-9/fulltextUrits I, Burshtein A, Sharma M, Testa L, Gold PA, Orhurhu V, Viswanath O, Jones MR, Sidransky MA, Spektor B, Kaye AD. Low Back Pain, a Comprehensive Review: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2019 Mar 11;23(3):23. doi: 10.1007/s11916-019-0757-1. PMID: 30854609.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11916-019-0757-1Delitto A, George SZ, Van Dillen L, Whitman JM, Sowa G, Shekelle P, Denninger TR, Godges JJ; Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012 Apr;42(4):A1-57. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2012.42.4.A1. Epub 2012 Mar 30. PMID: 22466247; PMCID: PMC4893951.
https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2012.42.4.A1Patrick N, Emanski E, Knaub MA. Acute and chronic low back pain. Med Clin North Am. 2014 Jul;98(4):777-89, xii. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2014.03.005. PMID: 24994051.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025712514000443?via%3DihubReviewed By:
Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.
Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.
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