What causes low back pain?

Even with today's technology, the exact cause of low back pain can be found in very few cases. In most cases, back pain may be a symptom of many different causes, including any/several of the following:

• overuse, strenuous activity, or improper use (i.e., repetitive or heavy lifting, exposure to vibration for prolonged periods of time)
• trauma/injury/fracture
• 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 caused by increased weight on the spine and pressure on the discs)
• poor muscle tone in the back
• muscle tension or spasm
• sprain or strain
• ligament or muscle tears
• joint problems (e.g., spinal stenosis)
• smoking
• protruding or herniated (slipped) disk
• disease (e.g., osteoarthritis, spondylitis, compression fractures)

Can low back pain be prevented?

The following may help to prevent low back pain:

• practicing correct lifting techniques
• maintaining correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping
• exercising regularly (with proper stretching before participation)
• avoiding smoking
• maintaining a healthy weight
• reducing emotional stress which may cause muscle tension