Pain in the lower back: 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).Most often, when a person has "back pain", we are talking about the lower back.And if 20 years ago, pain in the lower back mainly bothered the elderly, now even quite young patients turn to specialists for help with their backs.

Why does the lower back suffer so often?The fact is that the center of gravity of the human body is located exactly at the level of the lumbar spine, and it bears almost the entire load when walking.This is one of the disadvantages of walking upright - vertebrates that move on 4 limbs do not have such diseases.

Causes of back pain - what you need to know

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

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

Types of back pain

Often, back problems arise suddenly - like a bolt from the sky.Such acute pain in the lower back is called "lumbago" and previously you could hear the term "lumbago".The name itself speaks of the sharp nature, the shooting of sensations.During an attack of lumbago, any movement only intensifies the torment, and the patient involuntarily finds himself in a limited position, freezing in one position.Lumbago lasts for a few minutes and then subsides.

If the pain is prolonged and painful, then we talk about lumbodynia.These are painful sensations of low intensity, but constant in the lumbar region, which intensify during physical activity or during hypothermia.

And there is a condition when there is no back pain itself, but a person feels stiffness and discomfort.In this case, additional diagnostics by specialists is also required.Depending on how back pain manifests itself, approaches to its treatment vary.

Low back pain as a symptom of disease?

Back pain itself can signal many different pathological conditions, and often understanding the real cause is not so easy.

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

Musculoskeletal disorders causing lower back pain

The connection between spinal diseases and back pain is direct and unambiguous.It was previously mentioned that pathologies of the spine are the most common cause of back pain and account for more than 90% of all visits.

Prolapses and herniation of the intervertebral discs are rightfully in the first place in terms of prevalence.With such destructive pathologies, the intervertebral disc initially moves a little outward, prolapses (disc protrusion) and as the disease progresses, the integrity of the disc is broken in such a way that the inner part (nucleus pulposus) protrudes from the surrounding fibrous ring.

Sprains most often occur due to traumatic disc damage or osteochondrosis.

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

As a result of this compression, the nerve can become inflamed.The general name of such a disease is radiculitis, and if the inflammation is related to the sciatic nerve, then it is defined by the more specific term "sciatica".Sciatica pain is centered in the lower back and spreads to the buttocks and thighs along the sciatic nerve.

Now about the disease that leads to the development of all of the above - osteochondrosis.Pain in the lower back with osteochondrosis is a sharp character or dull pain.With the development of the disease (degrees 2 and 3), neurological symptoms appear - numbness, a feeling of needles in the lower extremities.In the morning, a person is disturbed by a feeling of stiffness.The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and reproductive system is interrupted.

The main goal in the treatment of 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.

Pain in the kidneys, urinary tract and lower back

You may have heard.that the back pain is due to diseased kidneys.In some cases this is indeed true.We recommend that you consult a urologist if you are concerned about the following symptoms:

Frequent painful urination, change in urine color.
Deterioration of health, indifference to life.
Hyperthermia is an elevated temperature.
Decreased appetite, nausea.
Arterial hypertension.

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

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

Another important diagnostic criterion is that in nephropathies, the intensity of pain does not change with changes in body position.However, as you understand, it is better to leave the right to make an accurate diagnosis to a specialist.

Excessive exercise and lower back pain

Our back is adapted to physical activity.Therefore, the appearance of back pain after going to the gym should alarm you.Normally, pain in the back muscles due to the accumulation of lactic acid goes away within 1-2 hours and, if this does not happen, pathology should be suspected.

The cause of pain in the spine after playing sports can be old injuries or hidden problems with the intervertebral discs - for example, disc protrusion.In this case, the elimination of physical exercises will not lead to recovery, but will only hide the course of a destructive disease of the spine.

In addition, back pain after exercise 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 rid of back pain as a result of losing weight.

Remember that constant and periodic pain in the lower back after physical activity should be a reason to consult 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 factors, an unpleasant condition such as myositis can occur.This is the name for inflammation of the skeletal muscles.The pain is aching in nature and with palpation (palpation) there is a tightening of the back muscles.

Characteristics of back pain in women and the mechanism of their occurrence

It's no secret that women's well-being is closely related to their hormonal levels, which undergo dramatic changes not only throughout their lives, but also every month.Therefore, every month at a certain stage of the menstrual cycle, women can experience annoying pain in the lower back.Unfortunately, this is a variant of the physiological norm.

And during pregnancy, discomfort in the lower back is considered normal - if it goes away after rest.After all, important hormonal changes occur in a woman's body during this period, the uterus expands - which changes the deviation in the lower back and shifts the center of gravity.In addition, a pregnant woman's weight naturally increases, which also adds stress to the spine.

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

Therefore, the diagnosis of the causes of back pain in women should be done especially carefully so that important symptoms of serious diseases are not missed and the pathological causes of back pain in women are not hidden.Indeed, among such terrible diseases there can be a cyst, apoplexy or inflammation of the ovary, and even cervical tumors.Ignoring and premature diagnosis of such conditions can lead to infertility and critical complications.

What diseases can cause pain in the lower back?

Symptoms, nature of pain	Presumptive diagnosis by MRI
Pain in the lower back when you cough, sneeze, bend.	Prolapse (bulging) of the intervertebral disc of vertebra L1/L2 (L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5)
Numbness, tingling not only in the back, but also in the buttocks and lower extremities.	Symmetrical dorsal (posterior) disc herniation of the L1/L2 vertebra (L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5)
Weakness in leg muscles, motor reflexes worsen.	Median dorsal (posterior) extension of vertebral discs L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5
Severe, shooting pains;the patient cannot even walk during an attack.	Circular extensions of vertebrae L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5
Staying in one position for a long time causes excruciating pain.	Diffuse extensions of vertebrae L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5
Symptoms can be absent for a long time and are discovered by chance.	Average intervertebral disc elongation L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5
Sharp, stabbing pain in the lower back - also called "lumbago".	Disc herniation of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
Pain in the leg extending below the knee, a "pins and needles" sensation in the leg.	Dorsal disc herniation of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
It is often asymptomatic, with patients reporting only mild discomfort.	Schmorl hernia of L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 vertebrae
The functioning of the intestines, bladder and reproductive system is interrupted.	Paramedian disc herniation of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae
In the early 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 observed.	Retrolisthesis and antilisthesis of vertebra L1 (L2, L3, L4, L5)
The pain is intermittent at first, then becomes constant.Increased by physical activity.	Ventral wedge-shaped deformity of the L1 vertebral body (L2, L3, L4, L5)
Aching pain in the lower back, left or right, along the spine.Numbness, "pins and needles" feeling.Muscle tension.	MRI picture, signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes (osteochondrosis) of the lumbar spine
Rsharp pains from exertion or careless movements.Changes in gait, dysfunction of the genitourinary system.	Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, first degree (second degree, 3rd degree)
Pain in the back and legs, discomfort from sitting for a long time in a chair and walking for a long time.	Spondyloarthrosis of the lumbar spine, first degree (second degree, 3rd degree)

What should you do if you have lower back pain?

If the symptoms of back pain in the lumbar region do not go away or decrease within 3 days, you should consult a doctor.What should be done before visiting a doctor?

What you can do yourself for back pain

If the cause of the pain is unknown:

measure temperature to detect inflammation in the body.
Identify accompanying symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea or other)
call a doctor at home or go to the emergency room.

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

take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) - diclofenac, ibuprofen or another.
applying cold locally will help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
tightly tighten the lumbar area with a towel or orthopedic belt to fix the damaged area in one position.
Consult a doctor for a complete diagnosis and determine further treatment tactics.

What not to do for back pain

Under no circumstances should you heat a painful area of the back!Heat will increase blood flow and, if there is inflammation, it will worsen the situation: it will increase pain and lead to the spread of the infectious process.For the same reason, you should avoid visiting baths and saunas.
You may not get long-term pain relief if you have persistent and unexplained back problems.Ignoring the root cause can only worsen the course of the disease and lead to serious complications.
You can not try to direct the vertebrae yourself or roughly massage the back.Without diagnosis, such actions can cause vertebral displacement and cause additional unnecessary injuries.

Which doctor should I consult for pain in the lumbar region?

It happens that a person would be happy to go to a specialist, but does not know which doctor to contact with a complaint of pain in the lower back.Let's clarify this matter a little.

First of all, you should make an appointment with a general practitioner.He will perform a differential diagnosis and determine which doctor you should continue treatment with.It can be:

Neurologist – for neurological symptoms and nerve involvement in the process.
Urologist - if diseases of the urinary system (kidneys) are suspected.
Gynecologist – for the treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system.

According to the indications, a complete blood count (CBC) and a general analysis of urine (UCA), an X-ray examination of the spine (in particular, MRI), ultrasound of the pelvic organs, kidneys and other studies can be prescribed.

It is important to remember that self-medication and other home remedies for back pain are a waste of money and time.Moreover, by delaying a visit to a specialist, you risk getting an advanced form of the disease, thus condemning yourself to long-term, expensive and often less successful treatment (than in the early stages).

How to cure back pain: basic treatment methods

You may naturally have a question: if self-medication is not effective, then how to cure back pain?A competent specialist has many techniques in his arsenal, including conservative and surgical treatment.

Conservative treatment consists of the following points:

Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral and local sedatives.
Physiotherapy (shock wave therapy, acupuncture).
Kinesiotherapy.
Therapeutic massage.
Therapeutic exercises and gymnastics.

Physiotherapy and massage procedures should be performed after the acute stage of the disease, when the pain syndrome has been removed.

Surgical treatment is indicated in advanced cases of spine diseases, when conservative methods do not achieve any significant results.However, with timely diagnosis and correctly prescribed treatment, the need for surgical intervention can be delayed or completely avoided.

Prevention of lower back pain

As a rule, painful sensations in the back and lower back arise due to a careless attitude towards one's health.After all, a sedentary lifestyle, aggravated by sedentary work and forced prolonged standing in one position, is typical for many of us.Excessive physical activity without preparation (stretching) and lifting weights with an incorrect back position are no less harmful.It's no wonder that the majority of the world's population experiences lower back pain.

Doctors' advice for preventing back pain:

Watch your posture, keep your back straight.
Avoid unpleasant attitudes in the workplace.You can place a small pillow under your back to support your back.Try it!
When you sit at a desk for a long time, it is recommended to get up from time to time (every hour), ideally by doing a joint warm-up, or you can simply walk.
It is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress;it is quite hard and, at the same time, elastic.
Start your day with exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles.

How to lift weights properly?

If you need to pick up and carry something heavy, you should do it by bending your knees, not your back.That is, first you need to sit down, take the load, and then straighten the knees, leaving the back line straight.