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| URL | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906 | |||||||||
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| Meta Title | Back pain - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic | |||||||||
| Meta Description | Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. Home treatment and proper body mechanics often can treat back pain within a few weeks. | |||||||||
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| Boilerpipe Text | Search for a disease or condition
. Type 3 or more letters to display suggested search options.
Diseases & Conditions
Symptoms &
causes
Diagnosis &
treatment
Doctors &
departments
Overview
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help or miss work. Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Fortunately, measures can help prevent or relieve most back pain episodes, especially for people younger than age 60. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and using the body correctly often can heal the back within a few weeks. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
Symptoms
Back pain can range from a muscle ache to a shooting, burning or stabbing feeling. Also, the pain can radiate down a leg. Bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking can make pain worse.
When to see a doctor
Most back pain improves over time with home treatment and self-care, often within a few weeks. Contact your healthcare professional for back pain that:
Lasts longer than a few weeks.
Is severe and doesn't improve with rest.
Spreads down one or both legs, especially if it goes below the knee.
Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
Is paired with unexplained weight loss.
In some people, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. This is rare, but seek immediate care for back pain that:
Causes new bowel or bladder problems.
Is accompanied by a fever.
Follows a fall, blow to the back or other injury.
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.
Click here for an email preview.
Email
We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our
Notice of Privacy Practices
. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.
Causes
Back pain often develops without a cause that shows up in a test or an imaging study. Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:
Muscle or ligament strain.
Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. For people in poor physical condition, constant strain on the back can cause painful muscle spasms.
Bulging or ruptured disks.
Disks act as cushions between the bones in the spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. However, a bulging or ruptured disk might not cause back pain. Disk disease is often found on spine X-rays,
CT
scans or
MRIs
done for another reason.
Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis.
The spine's vertebrae can develop painful breaks if the bones become porous and brittle.
Ankylosing spondylitis, also called axial spondyloarthritis.
This inflammatory disease can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse. This makes the spine less flexible.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop back pain, even children and teens. These factors can increase the risk of developing back pain:
Age.
Back pain is more common with age, starting around age 30 or 40.
Lack of exercise.
Weak, unused muscles in the back and abdomen might lead to back pain.
Excess weight.
Excess body weight puts extra stress on the back.
Diseases.
Some types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain.
Improper lifting.
Using the back instead of the legs can lead to back pain.
Psychological conditions.
People prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain. Stress can cause muscle tension, which can contribute to back pain.
Smoking.
People who smoke have increased rates of back pain. This may occur because smoking causes coughing, which can lead to herniated disks. Smoking also can decrease blood flow to the spine and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Prevention
Improving one's physical condition and learning and practicing how to use the body might help prevent back pain.
To keep the back healthy and strong:
Exercise.
Regular low-impact aerobic activities can increase strength and endurance in the back and allow the muscles to work better. Walking, bicycling and swimming are good choices because they don't strain or jolt the back. Talk with your healthcare team about which activities to try.
Build muscle strength and flexibility.
Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which strengthen the body's core, help condition these muscles so that they work together to support the back.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight strains back muscles.
Quit smoking.
Smoking increases the risk of low back pain. The risk rises with the number of cigarettes smoked each day, so quitting can help reduce this risk.
Avoid movements that twist or strain the back. To use the body properly:
Stand smart.
Don't slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. When standing for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off the lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.
Sit smart.
Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back can maintain its typical curve. Keep knees and hips level. Change position frequently, at least every half hour.
Lift smart.
Avoid heavy lifting, if possible. If you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight, bend only at the knees, and don't twist. Hold the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.
Buyer beware
Because back pain is common, many products promise prevention or relief. But there's no good evidence that special shoes, shoe inserts, back supports or specially designed furniture can help.
In addition, there doesn't appear to be one type of mattress that's best for people with back pain. It's probably a matter of what feels most comfortable to each person.
Sept. 26, 2024
Back pain: In depth. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain/advanced. Accessed April 3, 2024.
Wheeler SG, et al. Evaluation of low back pain in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 3, 2024.
Walls RM, et al., eds. Back pain. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 3, 2024.
Low back pain. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain. Accessed April 3, 2024.
Knight CL, et al. Treatment of acute low back pain. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 3, 2024.
Chou R. Subacute and chronic low back pain: Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 4, 2024.
Chou R. Subacute and chronic low back pain: Surgical treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 4, 2024.
Chou R. Subacute and chronic low back pain: Nonsurgical interventional treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 4, 2024.
National Doctors’ Day is March 30!
Your gift to celebrate this day advances our doctors’ lifesaving work. | |||||||||
| Markdown | null | |||||||||
| Readable Markdown | [](https://www.mayoclinic.org/)
[](https://www.mayoclinic.org/)
Search for a disease or condition . Type 3 or more letters to display suggested search options.
- [Diseases & Conditions](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions)
- [Symptoms & causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906)
- [Diagnosis & treatment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369911)
- [Doctors & departments](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/doctors-departments/ddc-20369912)
## Overview
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help or miss work. Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Fortunately, measures can help prevent or relieve most back pain episodes, especially for people younger than age 60. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and using the body correctly often can heal the back within a few weeks. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
## Symptoms
Back pain can range from a muscle ache to a shooting, burning or stabbing feeling. Also, the pain can radiate down a leg. Bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking can make pain worse.
### When to see a doctor
Most back pain improves over time with home treatment and self-care, often within a few weeks. Contact your healthcare professional for back pain that:
- Lasts longer than a few weeks.
- Is severe and doesn't improve with rest.
- Spreads down one or both legs, especially if it goes below the knee.
- Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
- Is paired with unexplained weight loss.
In some people, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. This is rare, but seek immediate care for back pain that:
- Causes new bowel or bladder problems.
- Is accompanied by a fever.
- Follows a fall, blow to the back or other injury.
## From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. [Click here for an email preview.](https://links.e.response.mayoclinic.org/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth)
Email
We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our [Notice of Privacy Practices](https://mcforms.mayo.edu/mc5200-mc5299/mc5256-01.pdf). You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.
## Causes
Back pain often develops without a cause that shows up in a test or an imaging study. Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:
- **Muscle or ligament strain.** Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. For people in poor physical condition, constant strain on the back can cause painful muscle spasms.
- **Bulging or ruptured disks.** Disks act as cushions between the bones in the spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. However, a bulging or ruptured disk might not cause back pain. Disk disease is often found on spine X-rays,
CT
scans or
MRIs
done for another reason.
- **Arthritis.** Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
- **Osteoporosis.** The spine's vertebrae can develop painful breaks if the bones become porous and brittle.
- **Ankylosing spondylitis, also called axial spondyloarthritis.** This inflammatory disease can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse. This makes the spine less flexible.
## Risk factors
Anyone can develop back pain, even children and teens. These factors can increase the risk of developing back pain:
- **Age.** Back pain is more common with age, starting around age 30 or 40.
- **Lack of exercise.** Weak, unused muscles in the back and abdomen might lead to back pain.
- **Excess weight.** Excess body weight puts extra stress on the back.
- **Diseases.** Some types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain.
- **Improper lifting.** Using the back instead of the legs can lead to back pain.
- **Psychological conditions.** People prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain. Stress can cause muscle tension, which can contribute to back pain.
- **Smoking.** People who smoke have increased rates of back pain. This may occur because smoking causes coughing, which can lead to herniated disks. Smoking also can decrease blood flow to the spine and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
## Prevention
Improving one's physical condition and learning and practicing how to use the body might help prevent back pain.
To keep the back healthy and strong:
- **Exercise.** Regular low-impact aerobic activities can increase strength and endurance in the back and allow the muscles to work better. Walking, bicycling and swimming are good choices because they don't strain or jolt the back. Talk with your healthcare team about which activities to try.
- **Build muscle strength and flexibility.** Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which strengthen the body's core, help condition these muscles so that they work together to support the back.
- **Maintain a healthy weight.** Being overweight strains back muscles.
- **Quit smoking.** Smoking increases the risk of low back pain. The risk rises with the number of cigarettes smoked each day, so quitting can help reduce this risk.
Avoid movements that twist or strain the back. To use the body properly:
- **Stand smart.** Don't slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. When standing for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off the lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.
- **Sit smart.** Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back can maintain its typical curve. Keep knees and hips level. Change position frequently, at least every half hour.
- **Lift smart.** Avoid heavy lifting, if possible. If you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight, bend only at the knees, and don't twist. Hold the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.
### Buyer beware
Because back pain is common, many products promise prevention or relief. But there's no good evidence that special shoes, shoe inserts, back supports or specially designed furniture can help.
In addition, there doesn't appear to be one type of mattress that's best for people with back pain. It's probably a matter of what feels most comfortable to each person.
Sept. 26, 2024
1. Back pain: In depth. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain/advanced. Accessed April 3, 2024.
2. Wheeler SG, et al. Evaluation of low back pain in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 3, 2024.
3. Walls RM, et al., eds. Back pain. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 3, 2024.
4. Low back pain. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain. Accessed April 3, 2024.
5. Knight CL, et al. Treatment of acute low back pain. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 3, 2024.
6. Chou R. Subacute and chronic low back pain: Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 4, 2024.
7. Chou R. Subacute and chronic low back pain: Surgical treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 4, 2024.
8. Chou R. Subacute and chronic low back pain: Nonsurgical interventional treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 4, 2024.
National Doctors’ Day is March 30\!
Your gift to celebrate this day advances our doctors’ lifesaving work. | |||||||||
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