What Is Back Pain?

● Lower back diagram

● Treatment

● Home remedies

● Causes

● Symptoms

● Diagnosis

● Prevention

● Risk factors

● Pregnancy

● Exercises

● Yoga
 ● From UTI

● Outlook

Who experiences back pain?

Lower back pain, sometimes called lumbago, is not a specific disease

diagnosis. It’s a symptom of several different types of medical problems.

It usually results from a problem with one or more parts of the lower back,
such as:

● ligaments and muscles

● discs
● intervertebral discs
● nerves
● the bony structures that make up the spine, called vertebral bodies or
vertebrae
It can also be due to a problem with nearby organs, such as the kidneys.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 75 to 85

percent of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime. Of those, 50
percent will have more than one episode within a year.

In 90 percent of all cases, the pain gets better without surgery. Talk with a
doctor if you’re experiencing back pain.
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Diagram of muscles in lower back

This diagram shows which muscles in the lower back may be causing you
pain.
Back pain treatment

Many people will not need extensive treatment for back pain.
Over-the-counter pain medications are often sufficient.

In more severe cases, stronger treatments may be necessary, but they’re

typically provided under close supervision from your doctor.

Medication

The majority of back pain episodes are relieved

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by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:

 ● ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
● naproxen (Aleve)

Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), are another category of pain

relievers. They are also an option for back pain, though they don’t have the
anti-inflammatory properties.

Be careful with medications like ibuprofen if you have kidney problems or

stomach ulcers.

Never take more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter

medications without a doctor’s recommendation, as even these medications
may have severe side effects if taken incorrectly.

Other medication options include

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:

Topical rubs and ointments

Topical products may be highly effective at reducing back pain. Many of these
contain ingredients like ibuprofen and lidocaine and come in the form of:

● gels
● lotions
● creams
● patches
● sprays

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants can also be used for lower back pain, especially if muscle
spasms occur alongside pain. These medications act on the central nervous
system to reduce pain.
Antidepressants

Antidepressants and other medications can sometimes be used off-label for

the treatment of back pain.

If your back pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe amitriptyline, a tricyclic
antidepressant, because it focuses on different parts of the pain response.
This antidepressant may also work better for nerve-related pain.

Steroid injections

Your doctor might also recommend cortisone steroid injections for certain
causes of back pain. For example, a person with back pain that involves a
nerve may get a cortisone steroid injection.

Opioids
Opioids are stronger pain medications that can be prescribed for more severe
pain. These medications, such as oxycodone (OxyContin) and a combination
of acetaminophen and hydrocodone (Vicodin), act on the brain cells and body
to reduce pain.

Opioids should be used with caution, however, due to a risk of addiction.

Surgery

Surgery is usually reserved for those with structural abnormalities that haven’t
responded to nonsurgical treatment with medication and therapy.

Surgery may be an option for people with:

● severe, constant pain with identifiable structural abnormalities

● nerve compression that causes muscles to become weak
● spinal cord compression that limits daily activities
Alternative medicine

Alternative therapies that may help

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relieve back pain include:

● acupuncture
● massage
● chiropractic adjustments
● cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
● relaxation techniques

Be sure to talk with your doctor before undergoing any alternative or

complementary treatment. If you’re experiencing back pain, these lower back
pain treatment options might be helpful.
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Back pain home remedies

Many home remedies can be used with traditional back pain treatments. If you
have questions about these, talk with your doctor.

Heat and ice therapy

Ice packs may relieve discomfort and help

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lessen inflammation in short-term phases of back pain. Note: Don’t apply the
ice directly to your skin. Wrap it in a thin towel or gauze to prevent damage to
your skin.

Warm compresses may also relieve pain when inflammation has gone down.
Consider switching between heat and cold.
Exercises

Exercises to improve posture and strengthen the back and abdominal

muscles — called the core muscles — are a treatment option that should be
strongly considered.

This treatment often involves:

● improving posture
● using proper lifting techniques
● strengthening core muscles
● stretching muscles to improve flexibility

A physical therapist can teach you how to perform these types of exercises at
home.

Essential oils
Research

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suggests that essential oil or ointments made with capsaicin may help
decrease pain.

Capsaicin is the ingredient in peppers that makes them hot. These ingredients
may desensitize the nerves in the affected area and decrease the pain you
feel.

Home remedies may be highly effective at reducing back pain. Learn more
about how to use them and how they work.

Back pain causes

The most common

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causes of lower back pain are strain and problems with back structures.

Strain

Strained muscles often cause back pain. Strain commonly occurs with
incorrect lifting of heavy objects and sudden awkward movements.

Strain can also result from overactivity. An example is the sore feeling and
stiffness that occurs after a few hours of yard work or playing a sport.

Structural problems
Vertebrae are the interlocking bones stacked on top of one another that make
up the spine. Discs are areas of tissue that cushion the spaces between each
vertebra. Disc injuries are a fairly common

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cause of back pain.

Sometimes these discs can bulge, herniate, or rupture. Nerves can get
compressed when this happens.

Herniated discs can be very painful. A bulging disc pressing on the nerve that
travels from your back and down your leg can cause sciatica or irritation of the
sciatic nerve. Sciatica can be experienced in your leg as:

● pain
● tingling
● numbness
Arthritis

Spinal osteoarthritis is also a potential cause of back pain. It’s caused by

damage and deterioration in the cartilage of joints in your lower back.

Over time, this condition can lead to narrowing of the spinal column, or spinal
stenosis.

Osteoporosis

Loss of bone density and thinning of the bone, called osteoporosis, can lead
to small fractures in your vertebrae. These fractures can cause serious pain
and are referred to as compression fractures.

Other causes of back pain

There are many other potential causes of back pain, but most are rare. Be
sure to see a doctor if you experience regular back pain that does not go
away.

After ruling out the more common causes of back pain, your doctor will
perform tests to determine if you have a rarer cause. These can include

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● one of the vertebrae moving out of place and onto a nearby vertebra,
called degenerative spondylolisthesis
● loss of nerve function at the lower spinal cord, called cauda equina
syndrome (a medical emergency)
● fungal or bacterial infection of the spine, such as Staphylococcus, E.
coli, or tuberculosis
● cancer or noncancerous (benign) tumor in the spine
● kidney infection or kidney stones
Back pain symptoms

Back pain can have many symptoms, including:

● a dull, aching sensation in the lower back

● a stabbing or shooting pain that can radiate down the leg to the foot
● an inability to stand up straight without pain
● a decreased range of motion and reduced ability to flex the back

The symptoms of back pain, if due to strain or misuse, are usually short lived
but can last for days or weeks.

Back pain is chronic when symptoms have been present for longer than

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3 months.

Back pain symptoms that may indicate a serious

problem

See your doctor if back pain doesn’t improve within 2 weeks of developing.
There are times when back pain can be a symptom of a serious medical
problem.

Symptoms that can indicate a more serious medical problem are:

● loss of bowel or bladder control

● numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs
● back pain after trauma (injury), such as a fall or a blow to the back
● intense, constant pain that gets worse at night
● unexplained weight loss
● pain associated with a throbbing sensation in the abdomen
● fever
Let your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms.

Back pain diagnosis

A physical exam is typically

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all that’s needed to diagnose back pain. During the physical exam, your
doctor may test your:

● ability to stand and walk

● spine’s range of motion
● reflexes
● leg strength
● ability to detect sensations in your legs
If a serious condition is suspected, your doctor might order other tests,
including

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● blood and urine tests to check for underlying conditions

● X-rays of the spine to show alignment of your bones and check for
breaks
● CT scan or MRI scan to assess your discs, muscles, ligaments, nerves,
and blood vessels
● bone scan to look for abnormalities in the bone tissue
● electromyography (EMG) to test nerve signals
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How to prevent back pain

These tips can help ease back pain when it happens. They can also help you
prevent back pain in the first place.

Carry less

Heavy briefcases, laptop bags, suitcases, and purses can add unnecessary
stress and strain to your neck and spine.
Try to reduce what you need to carry, and use bags that distribute the weight
more evenly, such as a backpack. If you can, use a bag with wheels to keep
weight off your back entirely.

Work your core

The muscles in and around your abdomen and back help keep you upright
and carry you through your physical activities. Strengthening them can also
reduce the chances of pain, strain, or damage to your back.

Plug strength training workouts with a core focus into your regular fitness
routine a few times a week.

Improve your posture

Poor posture can put unnecessary pressure and strain on your spine. Over
time, this can lead
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to pain and damage.

Regularly remind yourself to roll back rounded shoulders and sit upright in
your chair.

Change shoes

High-heeled shoes are likely to cause

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damage to your back if you wear them frequently. Pick comfortable,

supportive, and minimally elevated heeled shoes when you can.
Stretch often

Doing the same thing every day can leave

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your muscles fatigued and more likely to strain. Stretch regularly to help
improve circulation in those muscles and lower the risk of back pain and
damage.

If you think these five tips are helpful for preventing back pain, read five more
ways to help reduce your chances of hurting your back.

Risk factors for back pain

You may have an increased risk for back pain if you

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● work in a sedentary (inactive) environment

● don’t exercise
● engage in high impact activity without stretching or warming up first
● are older
● have obesity
● are a smoker
● have been diagnosed with a specific condition like arthritis

Your mental health also has an effect on your risk of back pain. You may be at
a higher risk of back pain if you have a stressful job or have depression and
anxiety.

Back pain and pregnancy

Back pain during each trimester of your pregnancy can be common, and
several causes are to blame. However, you should be sure to talk with your
doctor about what you’re experiencing, in case the pain may be part of a
bigger problem.

Here are a few reasons why you may be experiencing back pain during
pregnancy:

Shifting center of gravity

As your baby grows, the center of your body’s “gravity” moves outward. Your
spine and back arch to make up for the change in balance. This put extra
stress on the lower lumbar spine.

Weight gain

Weight gain can be a healthy part of pregnancy, but even the little bit you’re
likely to gain during those 9 months can put more stress on your back and
core muscles.
Hormones

As your body prepares to deliver the baby, it releases hormones that loosen
the ligaments that stabilize your pelvis and lumbar spine. These same
hormones can cause the bones in your spine to shift, which may lead to
discomfort and pain.

Exercises to help your back pain

Gentle stretches and easy exercises can help ease back pain and prevent
future problems.

Here are two exercises you can try. These moves require no special
equipment and can be performed anywhere you can access an area of open
floor. A yoga mat is recommended but not necessary.

Bridges
 1. Lie on the ground with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
2. With your hands by your sides, press your feet into the floor as you
slowly lift your buttocks off the ground until your body is in one straight
line. Keep your shoulders on the floor.
3. Lower down. Rest for 1 minute.
4. Repeat 15 times.
5. Perform 3 sets.
6. Lie on your stomach. Stretch your arms above your head and lengthen
your legs straight behind you.
7. Slowly lift your hands and feet off the ground. Start about 6 inches off
the ground and go higher as you feel comfortable.
8. Push through your belly button to lift your legs and arms off the ground.
Stop when you feel your lower back contract. To prevent neck strain,
keep your head down, looking at the ground.
9. Hold your stretched posture for 2 to 3 seconds.
10. Return to neutral and relax your muscles.
11.Repeat this stretch 10 to 12 times.

If you have back pain and want relief, try these exercises plus five more to
help reduce back pain.

Yoga for back pain

Yoga may be thought of as a way to reduce stress, but it can

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also be a great way to ease muscle pain. Certain yoga poses can help stretch
and strengthen the muscles in your core and back, too. That can ease pain
and prevent future back problems.

Practice these yoga poses for a few minutes every day. They’re great for
beginners. You can add new ones later for more strenuous stretching.

Mindful moves: 15-minute yoga

flow for back pain

Mindful Moves: 15 Minute Yoga

Flow for Sciatica
In this video, join a 15 minute yoga flow for sciatica designed to soothe the
sciatic nerve, ease back pain, and release areas of tension in the spine, hip,
and leg.

0 seconds of 16 minutes, 30 secondsVolume 0%

Cat-Cow

1. Lower to the floor and get on your hands and knees.

2. Align your body so your hands are directly below your shoulders and
your knees are under your hips. Evenly balance your weight on all fours.
3. Slowly inhale air and look up at the wall in front of you. Let your
stomach drop toward the mat.
4. Slowly exhale the air, tuck your chin to your chest, draw your navel
toward the back of your spine, and arch your back.
5. Turn steps 3 and 4 into a continuous movement and repeat for at least 1
minute.

Sphinx pose
 1. Lie on your stomach. Stretch your legs straight behind you. Rest your
hands, palms down, beside your shoulders.
2. Engage your core, lower back, and buttocks muscles to slowly lift your
upper torso and head away from the ground. Use your arms for support
only.
3. Draw on your lower back and push your belly button into the ground to
maintain the stretch.
4. Remain in this stretch for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Relax and return to the ground.

As your muscles grow stronger, you can hold this pose longer. Work toward 5
minutes.

If you’re considering yoga to relieve back pain, watch videos of these two
yoga poses plus eight more that may be beneficial to get started.

Back pain from UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the parts of your body that are
responsible for carrying urine. This could be the:
 ● kidneys
● ureters
● urethra
● bladder

A UTI is most often

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caused by microbes or bacteria that enter the urinary tract and multiply.

If you have a UTI, you may experience some level of back pain or lower back
discomfort. In addition, you may experience:

● frequent urination
● burning during urination
● bloody urine
● cloudy urine
● urine with a strong odor
 ● feeling an urgent need to urinate
● producing little urine despite feeling intense pressure

UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. Once treatment begins, symptoms

including back pain should resolve quickly.

Frequent urination and back pain can be caused by other conditions too.
Read more about each of them and how they can be diagnosed.

Outlook for back pain

Back pain is a common ailment, and the older you get, the more likely you are
to experience it. In fact, the majority of Americans will cope with back pain at
some point in their lives. For a small percentage, back pain may become
chronic.
With treatment, most episodes of back pain will resolve on their own.
Occasionally, you will need help from your doctor in the form of prescription
medication or injections. Surgery may be an option in very rare cases.

The good news for people who’ve experienced back pain and want to avoid
another bout with it is that you can take steps to prevent back pain. Daily
stretches, yoga, and strength training can help make your back and core
muscles stronger and more resilient.

Last medically reviewed on December 2, 2021

7 sources

collapsed

●
●

Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD — By Verneda Lights — Updated

on December 2, 2021
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What Can I Do About My

Lower Back Pain When
Standing?

● Causes

● Self-care

● Remedies

● Treatment

● See a doctor

● Takeaway
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we
may earn a small commission.Here’s our process.

Overview

If you have lower back pain, you’re far from alone. About 80 percent

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of adults in the United States deal with lower back pain at some point in their
life, estimates the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Why do I have lower back pain

when I stand?

Postural stress is the most common cause of lower back pain. Generally,
when you’re standing and walking, the increased pressure on your spine can
make the lower back muscles tighten and spasm, leading to pain.

Some specific causes of lower back pain include:

● sprains from stretched ligaments

● strains from too much force put on a muscle
● spinal stenosis, the pressure on nerves caused by the narrowing of
spaces in
● spine
 ● degenerative disc disease, when discs between vertebrae break down,
decreasing the space between them and irritating surrounding nerves

Home treatment for lower back

pain

There are a number of at-home options to treat pain in your lower back:

● Relax. Sometimes just sitting down will relieve enough of the pressure
from your lower back to reduce the pain significantly.
● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These over-the-counter
pain relievers include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
You can purchase NSAIDs here.
● Exercise and stretching. Although exercise is often good for addressing
lower back pain, consult with a professional. Some exercises can make
the pain worse. For example, avoid toe touches and situps, but try
hamstring stretches. Generally getting into better physical health will
help reduce lower back pain when standing and doing other everyday
activities.
● Stand and sit up straight. Your posture is important for proper weight
distribution. Standing and sitting up straight will help.
 ● Get supportive shoes and orthotics. Get shoes or shoe inserts that help
keep your feet in a neutral, supported position.
● Mattress support. Find a mattress that gives you better support than
your current one.
● Use heat and ice. As soon as the pain starts, put an ice pack on your
lower back for 20 minutes several times a day. After 48 hours, alternate
using ice and heat.
● Avoid heavy lifting. Avoid lifting heavy objects. If you must, keep your
back straight and bend your legs so the leg muscles do the majority of
the work.
● Lose weight. If you’re overweight, getting to a healthy weight will
improve strain on your back.

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Alternative treatments for lower

back pain

Some alternative therapies for lower back pain include:

● Massage. General relaxation massages and structural massage

targeted to areas that might be causing your back pain might help.
● Acupuncture. Acupuncture needles may reduce inflammation and alter
the way nerves react to alleviate lower back pain.
Medical treatment for lower back
pain

If at-home remedies and lifestyle changes don’t improve your lower back pain,
your doctor can prescribe medication to help you manage it. Some of the
medications your doctor might prescribe include:

● muscle relaxants to relieve spasms

● topicals to be used directly on the area in pain
● cortisone injections to reduce inflammation

Your doctor might also suggest physical therapy. A physical therapist can
teach you specific exercises and stretches to strengthen your back and find
pain relief. They might also use other techniques as well, such as:

● joint mobilization
● posture education
● modalities like electrical stimulation and ultrasound
When to see your doctor

Back pain commonly goes away on its own, but sometimes medical help is
needed. Call your doctor if your pain lasts longer than a few days and is
accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

● deep constant pain

● incontinence
● prolonged morning stiffness
● weak legs
● pain that’s unaffected by activity or position
● rigid spine
● numb groin
● fever or chills

If the pain is a result of physical trauma, such as a car accident, visit your
doctor.

Takeaway
If you have occasional back pain when you stand, it’s likely due to postural
stress. Chances are it’ll go away in a few days, either on its own or with home
remedies.

If the pain continues, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s

time for you to see your doctor.

Last medically reviewed on July 30, 2018

5 sources

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●

FEEDBACK:

Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT, Physical Therapy — By Scott

Frothingham — Updated on March 7, 2019

Was this article helpful?

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What You Should Know

About Low Back Pain

● Causes

● Diagnosis

● Treatment

● Prevention

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we
may earn a small commission.Here’s our process.

Overview
Lower back pain is a common cause for visits to the doctor.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

(NINDS)

Trusted Source

, low back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability. At least 80
percent of Americans will experience low back pain in their lifetime.

Most low back pain is the result of an injury, such as muscle sprains or strains
due to sudden movements or poor body mechanics while lifting heavy objects.

Low back pain can also be the result of certain diseases, such as:

● cancer of the spinal cord

● a ruptured or herniated disc
 ● sciatica
● arthritis
● kidney infections
● infections of the spine

Acute back pain can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, while
chronic back pain is pain that lasts longer than three months.

Low back pain is more likely to occur in individuals between the ages of 30
and 50. This is partly due to the changes that occur in the body with aging. As
you grow older, there’s a reduction in the fluid content between the vertebrae
in the spine.

This means discs in the spine experience irritation more easily. You also lose
some muscle tone, which makes the back more prone to injury. This is why
strengthening your back muscles and using good body mechanics are helpful
in preventing low back pain.
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Looking for more guidance on health solutions?

Get connected with products and resources to help you meet your health goals.
Tell us what's impacting your health right now:

(Select all that apply)

Pain

Sleep

Weight Management

GO TO ASSESSMENT

What are the causes of low back

pain?

Strains
The muscles and ligaments in the back can stretch or tear due to excess
activity. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the lower back, as well as
muscle spasms. Rest and physical therapy are remedies for these symptoms.

Disc injury

The discs in the back are prone to injury. This risk increases with age. The
outside of the disc can tear or herniate.

A herniated disc, which is also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs

when the cartilage surrounding the disc pushes against the spinal cord or
nerve roots. The cushion that sits between the spinal vertebrae extends
outside its normal position.

This can result in compression of the nerve root as it exits from the spinal cord
and through the vertebral bones. Disc injury usually occurs suddenly after
lifting something or twisting the back. Unlike a back strain, pain from a disc
injury usually lasts for more than 72 hours.
Sciatica

Sciatica can occur with a herniated disc if the disc presses on the sciatic
nerve. The sciatic nerve connects the spine to the legs. As a result, sciatica
can cause pain in the legs and feet. This pain usually feels like burning, or
pins and needles.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is when the spinal column narrows, putting pressure on the
spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Spinal stenosis is most commonly due to degeneration of the discs between

the vertebrae. The result is compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord by
bony spurs or soft tissues, such as discs.

Pressure on the spinal nerves causes symptoms such as: