Lower back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including a significant number in India. It encompasses discomfort in the lower back region, which can range from mild aches to severe pain, often impacting daily activities and quality of life.

In India, lower back pain is prevalent due to factors like sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, and heavy lifting. Statistically, about 60-80% of individuals will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Managing lower back pain typically involves a combination of physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

If you experience persistent pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Lower back pain can arise from various causes, each affecting the spine, muscles, or surrounding structures. Here’s an overview of the common causes:

1. Musculoskeletal Issues

• Muscle or Ligament Strain: Overuse, heavy lifting, or sudden movements can strain the muscles or ligaments in the lower back. This strain often results in acute pain and discomfort, which may improve with rest and conservative treatment.
  
• Herniated Disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc protrudes through its outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves. This can lead to lower back pain and radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
  
• Degenerative Disc Disease: As people age, the spinal discs can lose hydration and elasticity, leading to decreased disc height and potential disc degeneration. This condition can cause chronic lower back pain and stiffness.
  

2. Spinal Conditions

• Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord or nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs, especially when walking or standing for extended periods.
  
• Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. It can cause lower back pain and discomfort, often exacerbated by movement or prolonged standing.
  

3. Postural and Lifestyle Factors

• Poor Posture: Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, can strain the lower back muscles and spinal structures. Poor ergonomics at work or improper body mechanics during daily activities can contribute to back pain.
  
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity can weaken the muscles that support the spine, leading to back pain. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining back strength and flexibility.
  

4. Medical Conditions

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis of the spine involves the degeneration of cartilage in the facet joints, leading to pain and stiffness in the lower back. This condition often worsens with age and can affect mobility.
  
• Kidney Stones or Infections: Sometimes, pain originating from the kidneys, such as due to kidney stones or infections, can be perceived as lower back pain. This type of pain is often accompanied by other symptoms like urinary changes.
  

5. Fractures Spinal fractures, often caused by trauma or osteoporosis, can result in sudden and severe lower back pain. These fractures can affect the vertebrae and lead to significant discomfort.

Lower back pain can present with a range of symptoms, varying in intensity and nature depending on the underlying cause. Here are the common symptoms associated with lower back pain:

1. Pain Characteristics

• Dull or Aching Pain: A continuous, dull ache often localised to the lower back, which can vary in intensity and may worsen with activity or prolonged sitting.
  
• Sharp or Stabbing Pain: Sudden, intense pain that may occur with specific movements or activities, often described as sharp or stabbing.
  

2. Radiation and Sensory Changes

• Radiating Pain: Pain that extends from the lower back into the buttocks, hips, or down the legs (sciatica). It may be accompanied by numbness or tingling in these areas.
  
• Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of numbness or tingling in the lower back, buttocks, or legs, which can indicate nerve involvement.
  

3. Functional and Mobility Issues

• Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving, bending, or performing daily activities due to pain or stiffness. This can impact overall functionality and daily life.
  
• Muscle Spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions that cause sudden, intense pain and stiffness in the lower back.
  

4. Weakness: Weakness in the legs or feet, which may affect balance and coordination, potentially indicating nerve compression.
If you experience severe, persistent lower back pain, or symptoms like numbness, weakness, or significant functional limitations, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.