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Low back pain is very common. Depending on how severe it is, lower back pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain. Sometimes, the pain radiates (spreads) to the buttocks and the top of the legs. In most cases, lower back pain is a muscle problem and is not a sign of nerve or spine damage.
Acute low back pain (pain that lasts 8 weeks or less) is the second most-common reason that people visit their doctor. More than 80% of people will have an episode of acute low back pain sometime in their lives. In most cases, it gets better with simple treatments at home. Surgery typically does not help lower back pain and is not recommended.
Chronic low back pain lasts more than 8 weeks or keeps coming back. Surgery does not usually help chronic low back pain. Usually, the doctor will work with a team of people to help someone who has chronic low back pain learn to use movement and exercise to lessen pain. If needed, the doctor will recommend or prescribe medicine to help manage the pain. They will also try to understand what conditions might be making the pain worse. For example, they may recommend a program to help with weight loss or quitting tobacco. Or, they may suggest treatment for anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems that can make lower back pain worse.
Symptoms of lower back pain include:
See a doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of these symptoms:
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms:
You may also decide to see the doctor if your back pain lasts longer than 8 weeks or keeps coming back. In most cases, there’s no magic cure for back pain. Your doctor may not even be able to tell you the exact cause of your pain. However, your doctor can make sure your back pain is not because of a serious condition and recommend treatments for controlling pain and continuing daily activities.
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The exact cause of lower back pain is often hard to pinpoint. Most acute lower back pain is probably caused by muscle strain. It’s usually from doing an activity you’re not used to, like yard work, moving furniture, or heavy lifting. Or, you may have sprained the ligaments between the bones in your back the vertebrae) or in the joint in the lower back.
Less often, one of the discs that normally cushions your vertebrae can push out and press on a nerve. The good news is that acute lower back pain is rarely caused by damage to your spine or by any other serious medical condition. In most cases, you can recover and get back to normal daily activities on your own.
Not all lower back pain episodes require a doctor’s visit. Most people can manage their pain on their own and return to normal activities as soon as ready. Try these suggestions:
If you go to the doctor, the doctor will talk with you about staying active, avoiding bed rest, and moving your body in ways that won’t hurt your back. The doctor may also recommend:
Doctors and researchers have discovered factors that can reduce your chances of having lower back pain. Here are some suggestions:
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