Common causes of lower back pain

Lower back pain is something we wouldn’t wish on anyone. That dull ache provides sleepless nights and reduces mobility, making it harder to do the things we love and sometimes work and live everyday lives.

Common causes of lower back pain include injury, repetitive movement, sciatica (trapped nerve), and sleeping in a funny position. This article explores the common grounds with fixes, helping you deal with lower back pain.

Let’s jump in!

Cause #1 – Injury

Injury is the most common cause of lower back pain, usually from a pulled muscle in the lower back (strain) or acute injury (impact).

If you lift something heavy with improper form, fall, land on your back, or twist quickly, this can damage your lower back muscles.

The fix

Time is the ultimate healer for injuries – most strains resolve themselves within one week, and you can manage the pain with topical pain relief.

Cause #2 – Past injury

If a past injury is causing you back pain, there’s a strong chance that your back has not healed correctly following the injury.

Unfortunately, this is a sign you need the help of a physio or chiropractor to work on your back and promote proper healing.

The fix

See a chiropractor for expert advice on your injury if the problem is musculoskeletal. You might need an adjustment (spinal manipulation). A physiotherapist can provide massage but is not qualified to provide chiropractic adjustment.

Cause #3 – Repetitive movement

Repetitive movement causes inflammation in the lower back muscles (and sometimes the spine), significantly reducing mobility.

Most repetitive strains are from work (e.g., lifting boxes), but you can also get them playing sports and doing DIY around the house.

The fix

Identify the movements that have caused your strain and avoid them for two weeks. Let your body heal, and you will be back to normal.

Cause #4 – Sciatica (trapped nerve)

We can trap a nerve in our back for no reason – even sitting down watching TV. The sciatic nerve runs down your lower back through the hips and buttocks.

A trapped nerve happens when too much pressure is placed on the nerve, trapping it behind muscle, bones, tendons, or cartilage.

The fix

Sciatica comes and goes. It isn’t permanent and goes away when the inflammation subsides to the point the nerve is no longer pinched. Ice and heat packs on the lower back are best at reducing pain, and a chiropractor can also reduce pressure on the nerve.

Cause #5 – Sleeping in a funny position

Sleeping funny can give you wicked lower back pain, especially if your hips and legs are significantly lower than your torso.

Most sleeping position issues are caused by an uncomfortable mattress that doesn’t support how you want to sleep, forcing you into an odd position.

The fix

Buy a mattress that supports your preferred sleeping position so that your hips and spine are correctly aligned. As a general rule: a medium mattress is best for side sleepers, and a medium firm mattress is best for back and front sleepers.

Cause #6 – Illness

The flu, colds, and other seasonal viruses can make you ache where you don’t usually, such as in your lower back, legs, and arms.

Several diseases can cause back pain, like fibromyalgia, kidney stones, herniated disk, and ankylosing spondylitis.

The fix

If you are concerned that illness is causing your lower back pain, speak to your GP. It’s best to get professional medical advice on such matters. Avoid reading forums and dubious news articles – first, get advice from an expert.

Summing up

The leading causes of lower back pain are as follows:

• Injury
• Past injury
• Repetitive movement
• Sciatica
• Sleeping funny
• Illness

There’s a good chance one of these is the reason behind your lower back pain. If your back pain persists or the pain is unbearable, seek medical advice.

If you enjoyed this article, read our piece on choosing a mattress to relieve lower back pain.