What Is Lower Back Pain?
Pain in the low back can be a result of conditions affecting the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of problems with any parts of the interconnected network of spinal cords, discs, nerves, bones or in the lumber spine.
Common sources of lower back pain include:
- The large nerve roots in the low back that go to the legs may be irritated
- The smaller nerves that supply the low back may be irritated
- The large paired lower back muscles (erector spinae) may be strained
- The bones, ligaments or joints may be damaged
- An intervertebral disc may be degenerating
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
The symptoms of lower back pain vary greatly. A simple lower back muscle strain might be severe, while a disc space might cause only moderate, fitful discomfort.