Musculoskeletal
Lower back pain
Also known as: Lumbago, Low back strain
Lower back pain condition guide: symptoms, causes, prevention, and when to seek care. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Overview
Lower back pain is common in people who do heavy work, sit for long hours, or lift poorly. It often comes from muscle strain rather than serious damage. Still, some warning signs need urgent assessment.
Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the lower back
- Pain worse when bending
- Muscle tightness
- Pain spreading toward the hips
- Difficulty standing after sitting
- Relief with gentle rest
Causes
Causes include poor lifting technique, bad posture, excess weight, low activity, and sometimes joint disease. Less often, infection or nerve problems are the source.
Treatment (general information)
For mild pain, keep gently moving, use heat or cold, and avoid heavy lifting. Pain medicines may be used briefly with advice. Physiotherapy can help if pain continues.
Prevention
Lift with your knees, sit with better posture, strengthen core and back muscles, and take breaks during long work.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent care for leg weakness, loss of bladder control, pain after trauma, fever, or pain that wakes you at night.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I stay in bed for days?
- No. Long bed rest can worsen stiffness. Gentle walking within comfort is usually better.
- Is it always a slipped disc?
- No. Many people have muscle or posture pain. Specialist assessment is needed for severe symptoms.