We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Causes Lower Back Aches?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,494
Share

The most common cause of lower back aches is injury, very often from athletic activities such as team sports, but other causes have nothing at all to do with physical activity. Lower back aches can instead be caused by poor posture, slipped discs in the spine, sitting or standing for extended periods of time, or from accidents, particularly automobile accidents. In all cases, the lower back is burdened with an amount of strain that it cannot reasonably handle, and either the muscles in the back become strained, or the spine is allowed to move unnaturally out of place. Lower back aches can be treated simply if the condition is not severe, but some conditions may require physical therapy and even surgery to correct.

A direct blow to the back can cause lower back aches. Such blows are common in team sports, and the muscles can become bruised, strained, or torn. Such injuries should be treated with rest and ice, though in more severe cases, physical therapy and a regular stretching routine may be necessary. Another common injury in sports occurs when the lower back takes on a sudden weight or more weight than it is prepared to handle. The muscles cannot support the stress, and they become strained. The injured person may complain of soreness or tenderness in the lower back, as well as limited mobility and general weakness.

More serious causes of lower back aches include slipped discs in the spine. A slipped disc occurs when a vertebra slips out of place from its normal position, which can cause compression on another vertebra, surrounding muscles, or the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve pain often manifests itself as a sharp, shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, or down the length of the leg. In most cases, sciatic nerve pain in the lower back can be alleviated with stretching or anti-inflammatory medications. A slipped disc may be treated with physical therapy, but more severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Sitting or standing for long periods of time can lead to undue strain on the muscles of the lower back, and long-term sitting can promote a weakening of lower back muscles. Lower back aches may result, as the muscles are not effectively supporting the spine. The spine will in turn compress, causing dull aches in the lower back. To prevent such muscle loss, one should stand up and walk around for fifteen minutes after every hour of sitting, or sit down for fifteen minutes after one full hour or standing.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-causes-lower-back-aches.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.