Overview
Lower back pain affects the lumbar region of your spine or back. It can result from many different injuries and conditions. Most often, the cause is an injury to muscles or tendons in your back.
Nearly everyone experiences lower back pain at some point in their lives. The pain can range from mild to severe. For most, it’s temporary. But long-lasting (chronic) lower back pain is also common — up to 23% of adults worldwide have chronic lower back pain. In extreme cases, lower back pain can make it difficult or impossible to walk, sleep, work or do everyday activities.
Given how common it is, it may be hard to tell if you should be worried about your lower back pain. Trust your gut and reach out to a healthcare provider if something feels off — or if the pain keeps you from going about your usual activities.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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