Lower Back Pain
                     LOW BACK PAIN
INTRODUCTION
Lower back pain is very common. It 
can result from a strain (injury) to 
muscles or tendons in the back. 
Other causes include arthritis, 
structural problems and disk injuries. 
Pain often gets better with rest, 
physical therapy and medication.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
WHAT IS LOWER BACK 
PAIN?
Low back pain can result from many 
different injuries, conditions or 
diseases — most often, an injury to 
muscles or tendons in the back.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
HOW COMMON IS LOWER 
BACK PAIN?
Around four out of five people have 
lower back pain at some point in 
their lives. It’s one of the most 
common reasons people visit 
healthcare providers.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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RISK FACTORS
Age: People over 30 have more back 
pain. Disks (soft, rubbery tissue that 
cushions the bones in the spine) 
wear away with age. As the disks 
weaken and wear down, pain and 
stiffness can result.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
RISK FACTORS CONT.
Weight: People have 
overweight/obesity or carry extra 
weight are more likely to have back 
pain. Excess weight puts pressure on 
joints and disks.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
OVERALL HEALTH
Weakened abdominal muscles can’t 
support the spine, which can lead to 
back strains and sprains. People who 
smoke, drink alcohol excessively or 
live a sedentary lifestyle have a 
higher risk of back pain.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
OCCUPATION AND 
LIFESTYLE
Jobs and activities that require heavy 
lifting or bending can increase the 
risk of a back injury.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
WHAT ARE THE 
SYMPTOMS OF LOWER 
BACK PAIN?
Symptoms of lower back pain can 
come on suddenly or appear 
gradually. Sometimes, pain occurs 
after a specific event, such as 
bending to pick something up. Other 
times, you may not know what 
caused the pain.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
WHAT CAUSES LOWER BACK 
PAIN?
STRAINS AND SPRAINS
 Back strains and sprains are the 
most common cause of back pain. 
You can injure muscles, tendons or 
ligaments by lifting something too 
heavy or not lifting safely. Some 
people strain their back by sneezing, 
coughing, twisting or bending over.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS
A condition called spinal stenosis 
happens when the spinal column is 
too narrow for the spinal cord. 
Something pinching the spinal cord 
can cause severe sciatic nerve pain 
and lower back pain. Scoliosis 
(curvature of the spine) can lead to 
pain, stiffness and difficulty moving.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org