Lower back pain: what to do, causes, treatment

1 June 2026

The lower back is called the lower back - from the area where the ribs end to the tailbone (the lowest protruding vertebra).When a person has “back pain,” we most often talk about the lower back.And while 20 years ago lower back pain primarily bothered older people, today even very young patients turn to specialists to get help for their back.

Why does the lower back suffer so often?The fact is that the center of gravity of the human body is exactly at the level of the lumbar spine and it carries almost the entire load when walking.This is one of the disadvantages of walking upright - vertebrates that move on four limbs do not experience such discomfort.

Causes of lower back pain – what you need to know

Statistical studies tell us the following about the frequency of causative factors for low back pain:

91% of the complaints are problems of the spine and back muscles.
5% of the complaints are related to diseases of the urinary system.
4% - pathologies of other organs (reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract).

Types of lower back pain

Back problems often appear unexpectedly – like a bolt from the blue.Such acute pain in the lower back is called “lumbago”, in the past you could also hear the term “lumbago”.The name itself speaks of the sharp, shooting nature of the sensations.During an attack of lumbago, any movement only increases the torment and the patient involuntarily falls into a forced position and freezes in one position.The lumbago lasts several minutes and then subsides.

If the pain lasts longer and is painful, it is called lumbodynia.These are low-intensity but constant pain sensations in the lumbar area that increase during physical activity or hypothermia.

And there is a condition in which there is no back pain itself, but the person feels stiffness and discomfort.In this case, additional diagnostics by specialists is also required.Depending on how lower back pain manifests itself, there are different treatment approaches.

Lower back pain as a symptom of illness?

Back pain itself can indicate very different pathological conditions, and often it is not so easy to understand the true cause.

For example, there is such a thing as displaced pain.It refers to a situation in which the back hurts on the right, left or lower back - and the person thinks that the cause of their pain is in the spine.However, after research, it turns out that one of the internal organs (kidneys, intestines or organs of the reproductive system) is responsible.The human body is very complex and confusing.Let's look at some possible causes of lumbar pain.

Musculoskeletal disorders that cause lower back pain

The connection between spinal disorders and lower back pain is direct and clear.It has already been mentioned that spinal disorders are the most common cause of back pain, accounting for more than 90% of all visits.

Protrusions and herniated discs rightly rank first in terms of prevalence.In such destructive pathologies, the intervertebral disc initially moves slightly outwards, prolapses (herniated disc), and as the disease progresses, the integrity of the intervertebral disc is disrupted to such an extent that the inner part (nucleus pulposus) emerges from the surrounding fibrous ring.

Protrusions most often occur due to traumatic damage to the intervertebral disc or osteochondrosis.

Another painful consequence of osteochondrosis is compression and pinching of the sciatic nerve.The pain is sharp and stabbing – lumbago.

This compression can cause the nerve to become inflamed.The general name of such a disease is radiculitis, and when the inflammation affects the sciatic nerve, it is referred to by the more specific term “sciatica”.Pain in sciatica is concentrated in the lumbar region and spreads along the sciatic nerve to the buttocks and thighs.

Now about the disease that leads to the development of all of the above – osteochondrosis.Lower back pain in osteochondrosis has a sharp, stabbing or dull pain character.With the development of the disease (2nd and 3rd degrees), neurological symptoms appear - numbness, tingling in the lower extremities.In the morning, a person is plagued by a feeling of stiffness.The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and reproductive system is disrupted.

The main goal in treating osteochondrosis is to relieve pain and stop the destruction of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.It is important to understand that the earlier treatment is started, the better the prognosis.

Kidney, urinary tract and lower back pain

Maybe you've heard it.that lower back pain is due to diseased kidneys.In some cases this is actually the case.We recommend that you see a urologist if you are concerned about the following symptoms:

Frequent painful urination, change in urine color.
Deterioration in health, indifference to life.
Hyperthermia is an increased temperature.
Decreased appetite, feeling nauseous.
Arterial hypertension.

The pain varies.For example, with an exacerbation of chronic pyelonephritis, the pain seems to pull and encircle the lower back, and renal colic is acute and short-term.

It is characteristic that in kidney pathology the pain is concentrated on one side - since one kidney is involved in the inflammatory process.This is how a kidney stone (stone) forms in the kidney or ureter.

Another important diagnostic criterion is that in nephropathies the intensity of pain does not change with changes in posture.However, as you know, it is better to entrust the right to an accurate diagnosis to a specialist.

Excessive movement and lower back pain

Our spine is adapted to physical activity.Therefore, the appearance of back pain after training in the gym should alert you.Usually, pain in the back muscles due to the accumulation of lactic acid disappears within 1-2 hours.If this does not happen, there is a suspicion of pathology.

The cause of pain in the spine after sport can be old injuries or hidden problems with the intervertebral discs - for example a herniated disc.In this case, refraining from physical activity does not lead to healing, but only masks the progression of a destructive spinal disease.

In addition, back pain after physical activity is characteristic of myofascial syndrome.It does not pose a threat to life, but significantly reduces its quality.

At the same time, physical activity can also contribute to the disappearance of back pain - for example, an overweight patient is more likely to get relief from back pain by losing weight.

Remember that constant and periodic lower back pain after physical activity should be a reason to see a doctor.

Hypothermia and lower back pain

Prolonged exposure to cold air and wind can lead to hypothermia.If the lower back is not protected from harmful environmental influences, an unpleasant condition such as myositis can occur.This is the name for inflammation of the skeletal muscles.The pain is painful in nature and palpation causes tension in the back muscles.

Features of lower back pain in women and the mechanism of their occurrence

It's no secret that women's well-being is closely related to their hormone levels, which change dramatically not only throughout life, but also every month.Therefore, women may experience excruciating lower back pain at a certain phase of the menstrual cycle every month.Unfortunately, this is a variant of the physiological norm.

And during pregnancy, lower back pain is considered normal - if it disappears after rest.After all, during this time there are significant hormonal changes in a woman's body, the uterus expands - which changes the deflection in the lower back and shifts the center of gravity.In addition, a pregnant woman's weight naturally increases, which also leads to increased stress on the spine.

If we talk about other causes of lumbar pain in women, back pain may indicate the approaching menopause.This is due to a decrease in estrogen levels and changes in a number of other sex hormones.

Therefore, the diagnosis of the causes of lower back pain in women should be carried out especially carefully so as not to miss important symptoms of serious diseases and not to write off the pathological causes of lower back pain in women.In fact, such serious diseases can be a cyst, a stroke or inflammation of the ovary, and even cervical tumors.Ignoring and prematurely diagnosing such conditions can lead to infertility and serious complications.

Which diseases can cause back pain?

Symptoms, type of pain	Presumptive diagnosis by MRI
Lower back pain when coughing, sneezing and bending over.	Protrusion (bulging) of the intervertebral disc of the L1/L2 (L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5) vertebra.
Numbness, tingling not only in the back, but also in the buttocks and lower extremities.	Symmetrical dorsal (posterior) projection of the intervertebral discs of the L1/L2 (L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5) vertebrae.
Weakness of the leg muscles, motor reflexes worsen.	Dorsal (posterior) median projection of the intervertebral discs of the L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
Sharp, stabbing pains;The patient cannot even sit up during an attack.	Circular projections of the L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
Staying in one position for a long time causes aching pain.	Diffuse projections of the L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
Symptoms may not occur for a long time and may be discovered accidentally.	Median disc protrusion of the L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
Sharp, stabbing pain in the lower back – also called “lumbago”.	Herniated disc of the L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
Pain in the leg reaching below the knee, a tingling sensation in the leg.	Dorsal disc herniation of the L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
It is often asymptomatic, with patients reporting only mild symptoms.	Schmorl hernia of the L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 vertebrae
The functioning of the intestines, bladder and reproductive system is disrupted.	Paramedian disc herniation of the L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
In the initial stages the course is asymptomatic.Pain occurs when the tumor spreads beyond the disc.	Hemangiolipoma and hemangioma in the L1 vertebral body (L2, L3, L4, L5)
The pain depends on the degree of displacement of the vertebra.If changes occur in the joints, movement disorders are identified.	Retrolisthesis and antelisthesis of the L1 vertebra (L2, L3, L4, L5)
The pain is periodic at first and then becomes constant.Increased by physical activity.	Ventral wedge-shaped deformity of the L1 (L2, L3, L4, L5) vertebral body
Aching pain in the lower back, left or right, along the spine.Numbness, tingling and tingling.Muscle tension.	MRI image, signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes (osteochondrosis) of the lumbar spine
Rstabbing pain from exertion or careless movement.Gait changes, dysfunction of the urogenital system.	Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, 1st degree (2nd degree, 3rd degree)
Pain in the buttocks and legs, discomfort from sitting in a chair for a long time and walking for a long time.	Spondyloarthrosis of the lumbar spine 1st degree (2nd degree, 3rd degree)

What to do if you have lower back pain?

If the pain symptoms in the back in the lumbar region do not disappear or subside within 3 days, you should consult a doctor.What should you do before visiting a doctor?

What you can do yourself about lower back pain

If the cause of the pain is unknown:

Take your temperature to detect inflammation in the body.
Determine accompanying symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)
Call a doctor at home or go to the emergency room.

If the cause of the pain is known (bruise, sprain or injury to the lower back):

Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) – diclofenac, ibuprofen or another.
Applying cold locally helps reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Tighten the lumbar area tightly with a towel or orthopedic belt to fix the injured area in one position.
Consult a doctor to get a complete diagnosis and determine further treatment tactics.

What not to do if you have lower back pain

Under no circumstances should you heat a painful area of your back!Heat increases blood circulation and, in the case of inflammation, worsens the situation: it increases pain and leads to the spread of the infectious process.For the same reason, you should avoid visiting bathhouses and saunas.
If you have persistent and unexplained back problems, you will not be able to relieve the pain for a long period of time.Ignoring the root cause can only worsen the course of the disease and lead to serious complications.
You cannot try to straighten the vertebrae on your own or roughly massage your back.Without diagnosis, such measures can result in vertebral displacement and unnecessary additional injury.

Which doctor should I see if I have pain in the lumbar region?

It happens that someone would like to see a specialist, but does not know which doctor to contact when they complain of back pain.Let's bring some clarity to this topic.

First, you should make an appointment with a family doctor.He will carry out a differential diagnosis and determine which doctor you should continue treatment with.It could be:

Neurologist – for neurological symptoms and the involvement of nerves in the process.
Urologist – if diseases of the urinary system (kidneys) are suspected.
Gynecologist – used to treat diseases of the female reproductive system.

Depending on the indications, a complete blood count (CBC) and general urinalysis (UCA), an X-ray examination of the spine (especially MRI), ultrasound of the pelvic organs, kidneys and other examinations may be prescribed.

It is important to remember that self-medication and other home remedies for lower back pain are a waste of money and time.In addition, if you delay seeing a specialist, you risk acquiring an advanced form of the disease, condemning yourself to long-term, expensive and often less successful (than in the early stages) treatment.

How to cure lower back pain: basic treatment methods

Of course, you may have a question: if self-medication is not effective, then how to cure lower back pain?A competent specialist has many techniques in his arsenal, including both conservative and surgical treatments.

Conservative treatment consists of the following points:

Taking anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and painkillers orally and locally.
Physiotherapy (shock wave therapy, acupuncture).
Kinesiotherapy.
Therapeutic massage.
Remedial gymnastics and gymnastics.

Physiotherapeutic procedures and massages must be carried out after the acute phase of the disease, when the pain syndrome is relieved.

Surgical treatment is indicated for advanced spinal diseases if no significant success can be achieved with conservative methods.However, with timely diagnosis and correctly prescribed treatment, the need for surgical intervention can be delayed or avoided altogether.

Prevention of back pain

Pain in the back and lower back area usually arises from careless health care.After all, for many of us, a sedentary lifestyle is typical, which is burdened by sedentary work and forced to stay in one position for a long time.Excessive physical activity without preparation (stretching) and lifting weights with incorrect back posture are no less harmful.It's no wonder that the majority of the world's population suffers from back pain.

Doctors Advice on Preventing Back Pain:

Pay attention to your posture, keep your back straight.
Avoid awkward postures at work.You can place a small pillow under your lower back to support your back.Try it!
If you sit at your desk for a long time, it is advisable to get up from time to time (every hour), ideally warm up together, or simply go for a walk.
It is advisable to sleep on an orthopedic mattress;it is quite hard and at the same time elastic.
Start the day with exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles.

How do I lift weights correctly?

If you need to pick up and carry something heavy, you should bend your knees, not your back.That is, you need to first sit down, carry the load, and then straighten your knees so that the back line remains straight.