Lower Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes and When to Seek Help

Lower back pain is discomfort in the region between the bottom of the rib cage and the top of the buttocks. It may be acute (lasting less than six weeks), subacute (six to twelve weeks) or chronic (more than three months). In most people the pain is mechanical, arising from muscles, ligaments, joints or discs, rather than from a serious underlying disease.

Symptoms may include a deep ache, muscle tightness, sharp pain with certain movements, or a sensation of the back 'giving way'. Some people experience pain that radiates into the buttock, thigh or leg. Symptoms can vary from person to person and often worsen with prolonged sitting, standing or lifting.

Common causes include muscle or ligament strain, disc changes, facet joint irritation and general wear on the lumbar spine. Risk factors can include long commutes, prolonged desk work, heavy manual jobs, weak core and hip muscles, being overweight, smoking, previous back injury and stress.

Assessment is advised when lower back pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or is affecting sleep and daily activities. Warning signs that need earlier review include leg weakness, numbness around the groin, difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels, unexplained weight loss, fever, or pain following significant trauma.