🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 116 (from laksa088)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa116.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/low-back-pain\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/low-back-pain\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/back-pain\/low-back-pain","crawl_time":1776146544,"first_indexed_time":1554380780,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,hopkinsmedicine!www,\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/back-pain\/low-back-pain s443","src_root_hash":"4754538707639265316","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Low Back Pain | Johns Hopkins Medicine","meta_descriptions":["Everyone has experienced low back pain at one time or another. Most people can recover from low back pain with home treatment such as activity modification, weight loss, quitting smoking and other steps. Sometimes medication or surgery is needed."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"What is low back pain?\nLow back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.\nWhat causes low back pain?\nThe exact cause of low back pain can be hard to determine. Back pain may be a symptom of many different causes, including any of these:\nOveruse, strenuous activity, or improper use (such as repetitive or heavy lifting, exposure to vibration for prolonged periods of time)\nInjury\nDegeneration of vertebrae (often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, or the effects of aging)\nInfection\nAbnormal growth (tumor)\nObesity (often increases weight on the spine and pressure on the disks)\nPoor muscle tone in the back\nMuscle tension or spasm\nSprain or strain\nLigament or muscle tears\nJoint problems (such as spinal stenosis)\nSmoking\nProtruding or herniated (slipped) disk\nDisease (such as osteoarthritis, spondylitis, compression fractures)\nWhat are the symptoms of low back pain?\nLow back pain is classified as acute (or short-term) and chronic. Acute low back pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute low back pain will resolve on its own. Chronic low back pain lasts for more than 3 months and often gets worse. The cause of chronic low back pain can be hard to find.\nThese are the most common symptoms of low back pain. Symptoms may include discomfort or pain in the lower back that is:\nAching\nBurning\nStabbing\nSharp or dull\nWell-defined or vague\nThe pain may radiate into one or both buttocks or even into the thigh, hip, lower leg, and foot.\nThe symptoms of low back pain may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.\nHow is low back pain diagnosed?\nYour provider will perform a complete health history and physical exam. They will ask about the location of your pain, its intensity, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. For most people with back pain, no lab testing or imaging is needed. In certain cases, your provider may recommend imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.\nHow is low back pain treated?\nStaying active is a central part of treating back pain and preventing future pain. Follow any activity instructions from your provider. They may recommend resting for a short period of time depending on your condition, but it's important to stay as active as possible. They may recommend exercise with an emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles or gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, tai chi, or yoga.\nOther treatments may include:\nHeat\nMedicine\nPhysical rehabilitation, therapy, or both\nOsteopathic manipulation\nOccupational therapy\nWeight loss (if overweight)\nNo smoking\nA prevention program (as directed by your healthcare provider)\nSurgery\nAssistive devices (such as mechanical back supports)\nRehabilitation is often a part of treatment for low back pain. Generally, there are 3 phases of low back pain rehab.\nAcute phase. \nDuring this initial phase, the physiatrist (a healthcare provider who specializes in rehab medicine) and treatment team develop a plan to reduce the initial low back pain and source of inflammation. This may include using ultrasound,\nelectrical stimulation\n, or specialized injections.\nRecovery phase. \nOnce the initial pain and inflammation are better managed, the rehab team focuses on helping you return to normal daily activities while starting a specialized exercise program to regain flexibility and strength.\nMaintenance phase. \nIn this phase, you will learn ways to prevent further injury and strain to the back. You will also learn how to start a fitness program to help further increase strength and endurance.\nWhat can I do to prevent low back pain?\nThe following may help to prevent low back pain:\nUse correct lifting techniques.\nMaintain correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping.\nExercise regularly (with proper stretching beforehand)\nDon't smoke.\nMaintain a healthy weight.\nReduce stress, which may cause muscle tension.\nWhen should I call my healthcare provider?\nCall your healthcare provider if:\nYour pain becomes worse or spreads to your hips, thighs, legs, or feet.\nYour pain medicine no longer works well for you.\nYour pain begins to interfere with your daily activities, or interferes with activities more than usual.\nLiving with low back pain\nMost back pain will ease in a few days to a few weeks. If the pain lasts longer than 3 months, it's considered chronic and you should talk with your healthcare provider. Recovery from low back pain can take time. To prevent back pain from coming back, it's important to follow good health practices, such as:\nMaintaining a healthy weight\nExercising regularly with emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles\nPracticing good lifting techniques\nMaintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping\nNot smoking\nKey points about low back pain\nSpecific treatment for low back pain depends on the cause of the pain and the severity. But it often includes pain medicines and muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and assistive devices such as a back support. It also may include lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, weight loss, and increased physical activity.\nA back rehab program may be used as part of the treatment for low back pain.\nMeasures to prevent back pain include using safe lifting techniques, maintaining correct posture, regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, not smoking, and reducing stress.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to Main Content](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/back-pain\/low-back-pain#skip)\n\n[![Johns Hopkins Medicine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/hopkins-medicine-logo-white-header.svg?iar=0&hash=C6173D209DB591FDF4EFE00B18C2FFE4)](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\n\nJohns Hopkins Medicine  Menu\n\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health)\n- [School of Medicine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/som)\n- [Johns Hopkins Medicine Home](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/about)\n- [Patient Care](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care)\n- [Research](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/research)\n\n- [MyChart](https:\/\/mychart.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\n- [Schedule an Appointment](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/johns-hopkins-medicine-request-appointment)\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/profiles)\n- [Find a Clinical Trial](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/clinical-trials)\n- [Pay Your Bill](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/billing-insurance\/pay-bill)\n- [Employment](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/employment)\n\nClose\n\nSearch\n\nClose\n\n[MyChart Login MyChart](https:\/\/mychart.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/) [Health Home](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health) [Conditions and Diseases](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases)\n\n![Man experiencing back pain after standing up](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/back-pain-and-spine-conditions\/low-back-pain-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=89129096744DE659DBCC274B9CAF0BC3)\n\n![Man experiencing back pain after standing up](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/back-pain-and-spine-conditions\/low-back-pain-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=89129096744DE659DBCC274B9CAF0BC3)\n\n![Man experiencing back pain after standing up](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/back-pain-and-spine-conditions\/low-back-pain-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=89129096744DE659DBCC274B9CAF0BC3)\n\n# Low Back Pain\n[Pain and Palliative Care](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/pain-and-palliative-care) [Chronic Pain](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/chronic-pain)\n\n## What is low back pain?\nLow back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.\n\n## What causes low back pain?\nThe exact cause of low back pain can be hard to determine. Back pain may be a symptom of many different causes, including any of these:\n\n- Overuse, strenuous activity, or improper use (such as repetitive or heavy lifting, exposure to vibration for prolonged periods of time)\n- Injury\n- Degeneration of vertebrae (often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, or the effects of aging)\n- Infection\n- Abnormal growth (tumor)\n- Obesity (often increases weight on the spine and pressure on the disks)\n- Poor muscle tone in the back\n- Muscle tension or spasm\n- Sprain or strain\n- Ligament or muscle tears\n- Joint problems (such as spinal stenosis)\n- Smoking\n- Protruding or herniated (slipped) disk\n- Disease (such as osteoarthritis, spondylitis, compression fractures)\n\n## Lower Back Pain: What Could It Be?\n![icon showing lifestyle factors that affect back pain](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/shortcodes\/back_pain_factors_hl.jpg?h=300&iar=0&mh=300&mw=500&w=300&hash=5972F26A2B20ECB90E5A63FE80F5B3B3)\n\nDo you have lower back pain? You are not alone. You can experience lower back pain at any time, even if you don’t have a prior injury or any of the risk factors. Learn more about lower back pain and what causes it from rehabilitation physician and back pain specialist [Akhil Chhatre, M.D.](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/profiles\/details\/akhil-chhatre)\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/articles-and-answers\/ask-the-expert\/lower-back-pain)\n\n## What are the symptoms of low back pain?\nLow back pain is classified as acute (or short-term) and chronic. Acute low back pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute low back pain will resolve on its own. Chronic low back pain lasts for more than 3 months and often gets worse. The cause of chronic low back pain can be hard to find.\n\nThese are the most common symptoms of low back pain. Symptoms may include discomfort or pain in the lower back that is:\n\n- Aching\n- Burning\n- Stabbing\n- Sharp or dull\n- Well-defined or vague\n\nThe pain may radiate into one or both buttocks or even into the thigh, hip, lower leg, and foot.\n\nThe symptoms of low back pain may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.\n\n#### Back Pain Causes and Treatments Webinar \\| Stephanie Van, M.D.\n[Watch on YouTube - ![](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/youtube-video-thumbnails\/back-pain-causes-and-treatments-webinar\/back-neck-pain-webinar-mqdefault.jpg)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=QRwCzu0T4Q4&ab_channel=JohnsHopkinsMedicine)\n\nChronic back pain is a persistent source of discomfort for many adults. In this webinar, our expert Stephanie Van, M.D., discusses common causes of back pain along with strategies for relief.\n\n## How is low back pain diagnosed?\nYour provider will perform a complete health history and physical exam. They will ask about the location of your pain, its intensity, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. For most people with back pain, no lab testing or imaging is needed. In certain cases, your provider may recommend imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.\n\n## How is low back pain treated?\nStaying active is a central part of treating back pain and preventing future pain. Follow any activity instructions from your provider. They may recommend resting for a short period of time depending on your condition, but it's important to stay as active as possible. They may recommend exercise with an emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles or gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, tai chi, or yoga.\n\nOther treatments may include:\n\n- Heat\n- Medicine\n- Physical rehabilitation, therapy, or both\n- Osteopathic manipulation\n- Occupational therapy\n- Weight loss (if overweight)\n- No smoking\n- A prevention program (as directed by your healthcare provider)\n- Surgery\n- Assistive devices (such as mechanical back supports)\n\nRehabilitation is often a part of treatment for low back pain. Generally, there are 3 phases of low back pain rehab.\n\n- **Acute phase.** During this initial phase, the physiatrist (a healthcare provider who specializes in rehab medicine) and treatment team develop a plan to reduce the initial low back pain and source of inflammation. This may include using ultrasound, [electrical stimulation](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/expert-qa\/treating-pain-with-spinal-cord-stimulators), or specialized injections.\n- **Recovery phase.** Once the initial pain and inflammation are better managed, the rehab team focuses on helping you return to normal daily activities while starting a specialized exercise program to regain flexibility and strength.\n- **Maintenance phase.** In this phase, you will learn ways to prevent further injury and strain to the back. You will also learn how to start a fitness program to help further increase strength and endurance.\n## What can I do to prevent low back pain?\nThe following may help to prevent low back pain:\n\n- Use correct lifting techniques.\n- Maintain correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping.\n- Exercise regularly (with proper stretching beforehand)\n- Don't smoke.\n- Maintain a healthy weight.\n- Reduce stress, which may cause muscle tension.\n## When should I call my healthcare provider?\nCall your healthcare provider if:\n\n- Your pain becomes worse or spreads to your hips, thighs, legs, or feet.\n- Your pain medicine no longer works well for you.\n- Your pain begins to interfere with your daily activities, or interferes with activities more than usual.\n## Living with low back pain\nMost back pain will ease in a few days to a few weeks. If the pain lasts longer than 3 months, it's considered chronic and you should talk with your healthcare provider. Recovery from low back pain can take time. To prevent back pain from coming back, it's important to follow good health practices, such as:\n\n- Maintaining a healthy weight\n- Exercising regularly with emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles\n- Practicing good lifting techniques\n- Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping\n- Not smoking\n## Key points about low back pain\n- Specific treatment for low back pain depends on the cause of the pain and the severity. But it often includes pain medicines and muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and assistive devices such as a back support. It also may include lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, weight loss, and increased physical activity.\n- A back rehab program may be used as part of the treatment for low back pain.\n- Measures to prevent back pain include using safe lifting techniques, maintaining correct posture, regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, not smoking, and reducing stress.\n\n## Find a Doctor\nSpecializing In:\n\n- [Cancer Pain](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Cancer+Pain\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n- [Lower Back Injury](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Lower+Back+Injury\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n- [Joint Pain](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Joint+Pain\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n\n## Find a Treatment Center\n- [Palliative Medicine Program](http:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/palliative_care\/index.html)\n\nFind Additional Treatment Centers at:\n\n- [Howard County Medical Center](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/johns-hopkins-howard-county)\n- [Sibley Memorial Hospital](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/sibley-memorial-hospital)\n- [Suburban Hospital](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/suburban-hospital)\n\n## Related\n![Injection into the spine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/injection-into-the-spine-teaser.jpg?h=320&iar=0&w=560&hash=FE126182E84A796E66A2D5EB4563D6B0)\n\n- [Thoracic Epidural Injection](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/treatment-tests-and-therapies\/thoracic-epidural-injection)\n- [7 Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/back-pain\/7-ways-to-treat-chronic-back-pain-without-surgery)\n- [Degenerative Disc Disease](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/degenerative-disc-disease)\n- [Sciatica](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/sciatica)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/project\/jhm\/icons\/jhmcalendar.svg?iar=0&hash=9758E8BED5D3E0BEC4202D7B92AC5624)\n\n## Request an Appointment\n[Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/profiles)\n\n- [410-955-5000](tel:410-955-5000) Maryland\n- [855-695-4872](tel:855-695-4872) Outside of Maryland\n- [\\+1-410-502-7683](tel:+1-410-502-7683) International\n\n[Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/profiles)\n\nSee More\n\n## Find a Doctor\nSpecializing In:\n\n- [Cancer Pain](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Cancer+Pain\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n- [Lower Back Injury](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Lower+Back+Injury\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n- [Joint Pain](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Joint+Pain\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n\n## Find a Treatment Center\n- [Palliative Medicine Program](http:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/palliative_care\/index.html)\n\nFind Additional Treatment Centers at:\n\n- [Howard County Medical Center](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/johns-hopkins-howard-county)\n- [Sibley Memorial Hospital](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/sibley-memorial-hospital)\n- [Suburban Hospital](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/suburban-hospital)\n\n## Related\n- [![Injection into the spine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/injection-into-the-spine-teaser.jpg?h=217&iar=0&mh=260&mw=380&w=380&hash=A954FB3D712956E7A4B8D3F68FF3503C) Back pain Thoracic Epidural Injection](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/treatment-tests-and-therapies\/thoracic-epidural-injection)\n- [![Senior man in physical therapy for back pain](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/back-pain-and-spine-conditions\/chronic-back-pain-teaser.jpg?h=217&iar=0&mh=260&mw=380&w=380&hash=B1FA52561AE5417457E5C00729BBDDC3) Back pain 7 Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/back-pain\/7-ways-to-treat-chronic-back-pain-without-surgery)\n- [![x-ray of spine with degenerative disease](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/lumbar-disc-disease\/degenerative-disk-teaser.jpg?h=217&iar=0&mh=260&mw=380&w=380&hash=86F79AD3C0274D3000100292E8D78B7E) Back pain Degenerative Disc Disease](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/degenerative-disc-disease)\n\n## Related Topics\n- [Pain and Palliative Care](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/pain-and-palliative-care)\n- [Chronic Pain](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/chronic-pain)\n\n## [![Johns Hopkins Medicine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/hopkins-nav-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\nLanguage Assistance Available:\n\n- [Español](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#spanish)\n- [አማርኛ](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#amharic)\n- [繁體中文](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#chinese)\n- [Français](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#french)\n- [Tagalog](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#tagalog)\n- [Русский](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#russian)\n- 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Weibo](https:\/\/www.weibo.com\/hopkinsmedicine)\n\nCopyright © 2026 The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System. All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"## What is low back pain?\nLow back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.\n\n## What causes low back pain?\nThe exact cause of low back pain can be hard to determine. Back pain may be a symptom of many different causes, including any of these:\n\n- Overuse, strenuous activity, or improper use (such as repetitive or heavy lifting, exposure to vibration for prolonged periods of time)\n- Injury\n- Degeneration of vertebrae (often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, or the effects of aging)\n- Infection\n- Abnormal growth (tumor)\n- Obesity (often increases weight on the spine and pressure on the disks)\n- Poor muscle tone in the back\n- Muscle tension or spasm\n- Sprain or strain\n- Ligament or muscle tears\n- Joint problems (such as spinal stenosis)\n- Smoking\n- Protruding or herniated (slipped) disk\n- Disease (such as osteoarthritis, spondylitis, compression fractures)\n\n## What are the symptoms of low back pain?\nLow back pain is classified as acute (or short-term) and chronic. Acute low back pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute low back pain will resolve on its own. Chronic low back pain lasts for more than 3 months and often gets worse. The cause of chronic low back pain can be hard to find.\n\nThese are the most common symptoms of low back pain. Symptoms may include discomfort or pain in the lower back that is:\n\n- Aching\n- Burning\n- Stabbing\n- Sharp or dull\n- Well-defined or vague\n\nThe pain may radiate into one or both buttocks or even into the thigh, hip, lower leg, and foot.\n\nThe symptoms of low back pain may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.\n\n## How is low back pain diagnosed?\nYour provider will perform a complete health history and physical exam. They will ask about the location of your pain, its intensity, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. For most people with back pain, no lab testing or imaging is needed. In certain cases, your provider may recommend imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.\n\n## How is low back pain treated?\nStaying active is a central part of treating back pain and preventing future pain. Follow any activity instructions from your provider. They may recommend resting for a short period of time depending on your condition, but it's important to stay as active as possible. They may recommend exercise with an emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles or gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, tai chi, or yoga.\n\nOther treatments may include:\n\n- Heat\n- Medicine\n- Physical rehabilitation, therapy, or both\n- Osteopathic manipulation\n- Occupational therapy\n- Weight loss (if overweight)\n- No smoking\n- A prevention program (as directed by your healthcare provider)\n- Surgery\n- Assistive devices (such as mechanical back supports)\n\nRehabilitation is often a part of treatment for low back pain. Generally, there are 3 phases of low back pain rehab.\n\n- **Acute phase.** During this initial phase, the physiatrist (a healthcare provider who specializes in rehab medicine) and treatment team develop a plan to reduce the initial low back pain and source of inflammation. This may include using ultrasound, [electrical stimulation](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/expert-qa\/treating-pain-with-spinal-cord-stimulators), or specialized injections.\n- **Recovery phase.** Once the initial pain and inflammation are better managed, the rehab team focuses on helping you return to normal daily activities while starting a specialized exercise program to regain flexibility and strength.\n- **Maintenance phase.** In this phase, you will learn ways to prevent further injury and strain to the back. You will also learn how to start a fitness program to help further increase strength and endurance.\n## What can I do to prevent low back pain?\nThe following may help to prevent low back pain:\n\n- Use correct lifting techniques.\n- Maintain correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping.\n- Exercise regularly (with proper stretching beforehand)\n- Don't smoke.\n- Maintain a healthy weight.\n- Reduce stress, which may cause muscle tension.\n## When should I call my healthcare provider?\nCall your healthcare provider if:\n\n- Your pain becomes worse or spreads to your hips, thighs, legs, or feet.\n- Your pain medicine no longer works well for you.\n- Your pain begins to interfere with your daily activities, or interferes with activities more than usual.\n## Living with low back pain\nMost back pain will ease in a few days to a few weeks. If the pain lasts longer than 3 months, it's considered chronic and you should talk with your healthcare provider. Recovery from low back pain can take time. To prevent back pain from coming back, it's important to follow good health practices, such as:\n\n- Maintaining a healthy weight\n- Exercising regularly with emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles\n- Practicing good lifting techniques\n- Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping\n- Not smoking\n## Key points about low back pain\n- Specific treatment for low back pain depends on the cause of the pain and the severity. But it often includes pain medicines and muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and assistive devices such as a back support. It also may include lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, weight loss, and increased physical activity.\n- A back rehab program may be used as part of the treatment for low back pain.\n- Measures to prevent back pain include using safe lifting techniques, maintaining correct posture, regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, not smoking, and reducing stress.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/low-back-pain
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Meta Title	Low Back Pain \| Johns Hopkins Medicine
Meta Description	Everyone has experienced low back pain at one time or another. Most people can recover from low back pain with home treatment such as activity modification, weight loss, quitting smoking and other steps. Sometimes medication or surgery is needed.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	What is low back pain? Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning. What causes low back pain? The exact cause of low back pain can be hard to determine. Back pain may be a symptom of many different causes, including any of these: Overuse, strenuous activity, or improper use (such as repetitive or heavy lifting, exposure to vibration for prolonged periods of time) Injury Degeneration of vertebrae (often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, or the effects of aging) Infection Abnormal growth (tumor) Obesity (often increases weight on the spine and pressure on the disks) Poor muscle tone in the back Muscle tension or spasm Sprain or strain Ligament or muscle tears Joint problems (such as spinal stenosis) Smoking Protruding or herniated (slipped) disk Disease (such as osteoarthritis, spondylitis, compression fractures) What are the symptoms of low back pain? Low back pain is classified as acute (or short-term) and chronic. Acute low back pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute low back pain will resolve on its own. Chronic low back pain lasts for more than 3 months and often gets worse. The cause of chronic low back pain can be hard to find. These are the most common symptoms of low back pain. Symptoms may include discomfort or pain in the lower back that is: Aching Burning Stabbing Sharp or dull Well-defined or vague The pain may radiate into one or both buttocks or even into the thigh, hip, lower leg, and foot. The symptoms of low back pain may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is low back pain diagnosed? Your provider will perform a complete health history and physical exam. They will ask about the location of your pain, its intensity, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. For most people with back pain, no lab testing or imaging is needed. In certain cases, your provider may recommend imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. How is low back pain treated? Staying active is a central part of treating back pain and preventing future pain. Follow any activity instructions from your provider. They may recommend resting for a short period of time depending on your condition, but it's important to stay as active as possible. They may recommend exercise with an emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles or gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, tai chi, or yoga. Other treatments may include: Heat Medicine Physical rehabilitation, therapy, or both Osteopathic manipulation Occupational therapy Weight loss (if overweight) No smoking A prevention program (as directed by your healthcare provider) Surgery Assistive devices (such as mechanical back supports) Rehabilitation is often a part of treatment for low back pain. Generally, there are 3 phases of low back pain rehab. Acute phase. During this initial phase, the physiatrist (a healthcare provider who specializes in rehab medicine) and treatment team develop a plan to reduce the initial low back pain and source of inflammation. This may include using ultrasound, electrical stimulation , or specialized injections. Recovery phase. Once the initial pain and inflammation are better managed, the rehab team focuses on helping you return to normal daily activities while starting a specialized exercise program to regain flexibility and strength. Maintenance phase. In this phase, you will learn ways to prevent further injury and strain to the back. You will also learn how to start a fitness program to help further increase strength and endurance. What can I do to prevent low back pain? The following may help to prevent low back pain: Use correct lifting techniques. Maintain correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping. Exercise regularly (with proper stretching beforehand) Don't smoke. Maintain a healthy weight. Reduce stress, which may cause muscle tension. When should I call my healthcare provider? Call your healthcare provider if: Your pain becomes worse or spreads to your hips, thighs, legs, or feet. Your pain medicine no longer works well for you. Your pain begins to interfere with your daily activities, or interferes with activities more than usual. Living with low back pain Most back pain will ease in a few days to a few weeks. If the pain lasts longer than 3 months, it's considered chronic and you should talk with your healthcare provider. Recovery from low back pain can take time. To prevent back pain from coming back, it's important to follow good health practices, such as: Maintaining a healthy weight Exercising regularly with emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles Practicing good lifting techniques Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping Not smoking Key points about low back pain Specific treatment for low back pain depends on the cause of the pain and the severity. But it often includes pain medicines and muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and assistive devices such as a back support. It also may include lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, weight loss, and increased physical activity. A back rehab program may be used as part of the treatment for low back pain. Measures to prevent back pain include using safe lifting techniques, maintaining correct posture, regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, not smoking, and reducing stress.
Markdown	[Skip to Main Content](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/low-back-pain#skip) [![Johns Hopkins Medicine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/hopkins-medicine-logo-white-header.svg?iar=0&hash=C6173D209DB591FDF4EFE00B18C2FFE4)](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/) Johns Hopkins Medicine Menu - [Health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health) - [School of Medicine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som) - [Johns Hopkins Medicine Home](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/) - [About](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about) - [Patient Care](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/patient-care) - [Research](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/research) - [MyChart](https://mychart.hopkinsmedicine.org/) - [Schedule an Appointment](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/patient-care/johns-hopkins-medicine-request-appointment) - [Find a Doctor](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles) - [Find a Clinical Trial](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/clinical-trials) - [Pay Your Bill](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/patient-care/patients-visitors/billing-insurance/pay-bill) - [Employment](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/employment) Close Search Close [MyChart Login MyChart](https://mychart.hopkinsmedicine.org/) [Home](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/) [Health Home](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health) [Conditions and Diseases](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases) ![Man experiencing back pain after standing up](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/health/1_-conditions/back-pain-and-spine-conditions/low-back-pain-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=89129096744DE659DBCC274B9CAF0BC3) ![Man experiencing back pain after standing up](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/health/1_-conditions/back-pain-and-spine-conditions/low-back-pain-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=89129096744DE659DBCC274B9CAF0BC3) ![Man experiencing back pain after standing up](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/health/1_-conditions/back-pain-and-spine-conditions/low-back-pain-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=89129096744DE659DBCC274B9CAF0BC3) # Low Back Pain [Pain and Palliative Care](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/pain-and-palliative-care) [Chronic Pain](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/chronic-pain) ## What is low back pain? Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning. ## What causes low back pain? The exact cause of low back pain can be hard to determine. Back pain may be a symptom of many different causes, including any of these: - Overuse, strenuous activity, or improper use (such as repetitive or heavy lifting, exposure to vibration for prolonged periods of time) - Injury - Degeneration of vertebrae (often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, or the effects of aging) - Infection - Abnormal growth (tumor) - Obesity (often increases weight on the spine and pressure on the disks) - Poor muscle tone in the back - Muscle tension or spasm - Sprain or strain - Ligament or muscle tears - Joint problems (such as spinal stenosis) - Smoking - Protruding or herniated (slipped) disk - Disease (such as osteoarthritis, spondylitis, compression fractures) ## Lower Back Pain: What Could It Be? ![icon showing lifestyle factors that affect back pain](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/shortcodes/back_pain_factors_hl.jpg?h=300&iar=0&mh=300&mw=500&w=300&hash=5972F26A2B20ECB90E5A63FE80F5B3B3) Do you have lower back pain? You are not alone. You can experience lower back pain at any time, even if you don’t have a prior injury or any of the risk factors. Learn more about lower back pain and what causes it from rehabilitation physician and back pain specialist [Akhil Chhatre, M.D.](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/akhil-chhatre) [Read more](https://hopkinsmedicine.org/health/articles-and-answers/ask-the-expert/lower-back-pain) ## What are the symptoms of low back pain? Low back pain is classified as acute (or short-term) and chronic. Acute low back pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute low back pain will resolve on its own. Chronic low back pain lasts for more than 3 months and often gets worse. The cause of chronic low back pain can be hard to find. These are the most common symptoms of low back pain. Symptoms may include discomfort or pain in the lower back that is: - Aching - Burning - Stabbing - Sharp or dull - Well-defined or vague The pain may radiate into one or both buttocks or even into the thigh, hip, lower leg, and foot. The symptoms of low back pain may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. #### Back Pain Causes and Treatments Webinar \\| Stephanie Van, M.D. [Watch on YouTube - ![](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/youtube-video-thumbnails/back-pain-causes-and-treatments-webinar/back-neck-pain-webinar-mqdefault.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRwCzu0T4Q4&ab_channel=JohnsHopkinsMedicine) Chronic back pain is a persistent source of discomfort for many adults. In this webinar, our expert Stephanie Van, M.D., discusses common causes of back pain along with strategies for relief. ## How is low back pain diagnosed? Your provider will perform a complete health history and physical exam. They will ask about the location of your pain, its intensity, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. For most people with back pain, no lab testing or imaging is needed. In certain cases, your provider may recommend imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. ## How is low back pain treated? Staying active is a central part of treating back pain and preventing future pain. Follow any activity instructions from your provider. They may recommend resting for a short period of time depending on your condition, but it's important to stay as active as possible. They may recommend exercise with an emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles or gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, tai chi, or yoga. Other treatments may include: - Heat - Medicine - Physical rehabilitation, therapy, or both - Osteopathic manipulation - Occupational therapy - Weight loss (if overweight) - No smoking - A prevention program (as directed by your healthcare provider) - Surgery - Assistive devices (such as mechanical back supports) Rehabilitation is often a part of treatment for low back pain. Generally, there are 3 phases of low back pain rehab. - Acute phase. During this initial phase, the physiatrist (a healthcare provider who specializes in rehab medicine) and treatment team develop a plan to reduce the initial low back pain and source of inflammation. This may include using ultrasound, [electrical stimulation](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/expert-qa/treating-pain-with-spinal-cord-stimulators), or specialized injections. - Recovery phase. Once the initial pain and inflammation are better managed, the rehab team focuses on helping you return to normal daily activities while starting a specialized exercise program to regain flexibility and strength. - Maintenance phase. In this phase, you will learn ways to prevent further injury and strain to the back. You will also learn how to start a fitness program to help further increase strength and endurance. ## What can I do to prevent low back pain? The following may help to prevent low back pain: - Use correct lifting techniques. - Maintain correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping. - Exercise regularly (with proper stretching beforehand) - Don't smoke. - Maintain a healthy weight. - Reduce stress, which may cause muscle tension. ## When should I call my healthcare provider? Call your healthcare provider if: - Your pain becomes worse or spreads to your hips, thighs, legs, or feet. - Your pain medicine no longer works well for you. - Your pain begins to interfere with your daily activities, or interferes with activities more than usual. ## Living with low back pain Most back pain will ease in a few days to a few weeks. If the pain lasts longer than 3 months, it's considered chronic and you should talk with your healthcare provider. Recovery from low back pain can take time. To prevent back pain from coming back, it's important to follow good health practices, such as: - Maintaining a healthy weight - Exercising regularly with emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles - Practicing good lifting techniques - Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping - Not smoking ## Key points about low back pain - Specific treatment for low back pain depends on the cause of the pain and the severity. But it often includes pain medicines and muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and assistive devices such as a back support. It also may include lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, weight loss, and increased physical activity. - A back rehab program may be used as part of the treatment for low back pain. - Measures to prevent back pain include using safe lifting techniques, maintaining correct posture, regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, not smoking, and reducing stress. ## Find a Doctor Specializing In: - [Cancer Pain](https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/search?unified="Cancer+Pain"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best) - [Lower Back Injury](https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/search?unified="Lower+Back+Injury"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best) - [Joint Pain](https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/search?unified="Joint+Pain"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best) ## Find a Treatment Center - [Palliative Medicine Program](http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/palliative_care/index.html) Find Additional Treatment Centers at: - [Howard County Medical Center](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns-hopkins-howard-county) - 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[Suburban Hospital](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/suburban-hospital) ## Related - [![Injection into the spine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/injection-into-the-spine-teaser.jpg?h=217&iar=0&mh=260&mw=380&w=380&hash=A954FB3D712956E7A4B8D3F68FF3503C) Back pain Thoracic Epidural Injection](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/thoracic-epidural-injection) - [![Senior man in physical therapy for back pain](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/health/1_-conditions/back-pain-and-spine-conditions/chronic-back-pain-teaser.jpg?h=217&iar=0&mh=260&mw=380&w=380&hash=B1FA52561AE5417457E5C00729BBDDC3) Back pain 7 Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/7-ways-to-treat-chronic-back-pain-without-surgery) - [![x-ray of spine with degenerative disease](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/health/1_-conditions/lumbar-disc-disease/degenerative-disk-teaser.jpg?h=217&iar=0&mh=260&mw=380&w=380&hash=86F79AD3C0274D3000100292E8D78B7E) Back pain Degenerative Disc Disease](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/degenerative-disc-disease) ## Related Topics - 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Readable Markdown	## What is low back pain? Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning. ## What causes low back pain? The exact cause of low back pain can be hard to determine. Back pain may be a symptom of many different causes, including any of these: - Overuse, strenuous activity, or improper use (such as repetitive or heavy lifting, exposure to vibration for prolonged periods of time) - Injury - Degeneration of vertebrae (often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, or the effects of aging) - Infection - Abnormal growth (tumor) - Obesity (often increases weight on the spine and pressure on the disks) - Poor muscle tone in the back - Muscle tension or spasm - Sprain or strain - Ligament or muscle tears - Joint problems (such as spinal stenosis) - Smoking - Protruding or herniated (slipped) disk - Disease (such as osteoarthritis, spondylitis, compression fractures) ## What are the symptoms of low back pain? Low back pain is classified as acute (or short-term) and chronic. Acute low back pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute low back pain will resolve on its own. Chronic low back pain lasts for more than 3 months and often gets worse. The cause of chronic low back pain can be hard to find. These are the most common symptoms of low back pain. Symptoms may include discomfort or pain in the lower back that is: - Aching - Burning - Stabbing - Sharp or dull - Well-defined or vague The pain may radiate into one or both buttocks or even into the thigh, hip, lower leg, and foot. The symptoms of low back pain may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. ## How is low back pain diagnosed? Your provider will perform a complete health history and physical exam. They will ask about the location of your pain, its intensity, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. For most people with back pain, no lab testing or imaging is needed. In certain cases, your provider may recommend imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. ## How is low back pain treated? Staying active is a central part of treating back pain and preventing future pain. Follow any activity instructions from your provider. They may recommend resting for a short period of time depending on your condition, but it's important to stay as active as possible. They may recommend exercise with an emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles or gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, tai chi, or yoga. Other treatments may include: - Heat - Medicine - Physical rehabilitation, therapy, or both - Osteopathic manipulation - Occupational therapy - Weight loss (if overweight) - No smoking - A prevention program (as directed by your healthcare provider) - Surgery - Assistive devices (such as mechanical back supports) Rehabilitation is often a part of treatment for low back pain. Generally, there are 3 phases of low back pain rehab. - Acute phase. During this initial phase, the physiatrist (a healthcare provider who specializes in rehab medicine) and treatment team develop a plan to reduce the initial low back pain and source of inflammation. This may include using ultrasound, [electrical stimulation](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/expert-qa/treating-pain-with-spinal-cord-stimulators), or specialized injections. - Recovery phase. Once the initial pain and inflammation are better managed, the rehab team focuses on helping you return to normal daily activities while starting a specialized exercise program to regain flexibility and strength. - Maintenance phase. In this phase, you will learn ways to prevent further injury and strain to the back. You will also learn how to start a fitness program to help further increase strength and endurance. ## What can I do to prevent low back pain? The following may help to prevent low back pain: - Use correct lifting techniques. - Maintain correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping. - Exercise regularly (with proper stretching beforehand) - Don't smoke. - Maintain a healthy weight. - Reduce stress, which may cause muscle tension. ## When should I call my healthcare provider? Call your healthcare provider if: - Your pain becomes worse or spreads to your hips, thighs, legs, or feet. - Your pain medicine no longer works well for you. - Your pain begins to interfere with your daily activities, or interferes with activities more than usual. ## Living with low back pain Most back pain will ease in a few days to a few weeks. If the pain lasts longer than 3 months, it's considered chronic and you should talk with your healthcare provider. Recovery from low back pain can take time. To prevent back pain from coming back, it's important to follow good health practices, such as: - Maintaining a healthy weight - Exercising regularly with emphasis on strengthening both back and abdominal muscles - Practicing good lifting techniques - Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping - Not smoking ## Key points about low back pain - Specific treatment for low back pain depends on the cause of the pain and the severity. But it often includes pain medicines and muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and assistive devices such as a back support. It also may include lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, weight loss, and increased physical activity. - A back rehab program may be used as part of the treatment for low back pain. - Measures to prevent back pain include using safe lifting techniques, maintaining correct posture, regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, not smoking, and reducing stress.
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