Results for: Lower Back Pain
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty swallowing)
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
20 Possible Conditions
These conditions are listed by likelihood based on the symptom. This is not a diagnosis.
Lumbar muscle strain
Overstretching or tearing of the back muscles or ligaments, often due to improper lifting or sudden movement.
Lumbar disc herniation
A spinal disc bulges or ruptures, pressing on a nerve root and causing localized or radiating pain.
Degenerative disc disease
Age‑related wear and tear of intervertebral discs that reduces cushioning and can cause chronic ache.
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves, leading to pain that worsens with walking or standing.
Facet joint arthritis
Degeneration of the small joints between vertebrae, producing localized back pain that may improve with rest.
Spondylolisthesis
Forward slippage of one vertebra over the one below it, which can irritate nerves and cause pain.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Abnormal movement or inflammation of the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis, often felt as low back pain.
Ankylosing spondylitis
A chronic inflammatory disease that can cause fusion of the spine and persistent back stiffness.
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture
A fracture of a weakened vertebra that results in sudden, sharp back pain and possible height loss.
Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy)
Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, producing shooting pain down the leg.
Myofascial pain syndrome
Trigger points in the back muscles cause localized tenderness and referred pain.
Kidney stone (renal colic)
A stone moving through the urinary tract can cause flank pain that radiates to the lower back.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Infection of the female reproductive organs that can present with lower abdominal and back discomfort.
Endometriosis
Ectopic endometrial tissue can involve the pelvic ligaments, causing cyclic lower back pain.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (rupture risk)
A dilated aorta in the abdomen may cause deep, constant back pain and is a medical emergency if rupturing.
Metastatic spinal tumor
Cancer spread to the vertebrae can weaken bone and compress nerves, leading to persistent pain.
Spinal epidural abscess
A bacterial infection in the epidural space that produces severe back pain, fever, and neurologic deficits.
Cauda equina syndrome
Compression of the nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord causing severe pain, bowel/bladder dysfunction, and weakness.
Pregnancy‑related low back pain
Hormonal changes and altered biomechanics during pregnancy place extra strain on the lumbar spine.
Chronic post‑traumatic back pain
Persistent pain after a prior injury such as a fall or motor‑vehicle accident, often due to scar tissue or altered movement patterns.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While many conditions can be managed with home care or a doctor's visit, some situations require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if:
Heart-Related
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
Brain-Related
Severe headache, confusion, or sudden vision changes
High Fever
Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) or fever with stiff neck
Severe Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding or coughing up blood
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, CDC, NIH