Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Spine)

What is lumbar spine (low back) pain?

Lower back (lumbar spine) (low back) pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek care. Low back pain can feel like a mild ache or sharp, ongoing pain that makes it hard to move or sleep. Many times, low back pain develops from normal wear and tear on the spine or after an injury.

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Illustration of the human spine showing cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae with labels and details.

Lumbar spine anatomy

Your lower back, or lumbar spine, is made up of bones (vertebrae), discs that cushion movement, small joints that provide stability and nerves that carry signals throughout your body. Together, they support your weight and allow you to bend, twist and move. When one of these structures becomes irritated or damaged, you can have pain and stiffness.

Overview

Symptoms

Low back pain feels different for everyone. You may notice:

A dull ache or sharp pain in the lower back
Pain that spreads to the hips, buttocks or legs
Muscle tightness or spasms
Numbness, tingling or weakness in one or both legs
Difficulty standing, walking or sitting for long periods

If pain lasts more than a few days, gets worse or bothers you during normal activities, you should seek care.

Causes

Low back pain can have many causes including:

Arthritis: Wear and tear in the spinal joints
Facet joint syndrome: Irritation of the small joints between vertebrae
Pinched nerve (radiculopathy): Pressure on a spinal nerve
Sciatica: Irritation of the sciatic nerve causing leg pain
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal
Bulging or herniated disc: A disc pressing on nearby nerves
Segmental instability: Excess movement between vertebrae

Diagnosis

Diagnosing and treating low back pain starts with a thorough evaluation. Our specialists will review your symptoms, perform a physical exam and may recommend imaging such as X-ray or MRI to get a more detailed look at your spine. Once we have identified the source of your pain, we can build a personalized plan to help treat your pain.

Why treatment matters

Most low back pain can be treated effectively. Finding the cause of your pain and treating it early can help provide faster relief and prevent long-term problems. Many patients can be treated using nonsurgical options including physical therapy, guided exercise, medication or image-guided injections. In some cases, your specialist may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on nerves or restore stability.

Our spine team will work with you to find the most effective, least invasive treatment options to help get you moving with greater comfort and confidence.