RA
1
1
Mild severity
· Orthopedics
Lower Back Pain
Mechanical pain in the lumbar region
Most low-back pain is mechanical and resolves with gentle movement and time. Bed rest is harmful; staying active and strong is the cure.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 8 in 10 adults lifetime
- Typical age
- 20+ years
- Outlook
- Most resolve in weeks
- System
- Bones
Reviewed by a verified Orthopedics doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Sedentary lifestyle, weak core
- Sudden lifting injury
- Poor posture, long sitting
- Obesity
- Disc degeneration with age
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Dull ache or sharp pain
- Worse with sitting or bending
- Muscle stiffness
- Pain shooting down leg (sciatica)
- Numbness in severe cases
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Stay active, avoid bed rest
- NSAIDs short-term
- Physiotherapy and core strengthening
- Heat / cold packs
- MRI only if red flags
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Strengthen core regularly
- Lift with legs, not back
- Ergonomic chair, monitor at eye level
- Maintain healthy weight
- Don't smoke (worsens disc disease)
Do’s
- Walk daily, gentle stretches
- Use a lumbar roll while sitting
- Sleep on a firm mattress
- See a physio if no relief in 6 weeks
Don’ts
- Stay in bed for days
- Lift heavy objects with rounded back
- Sit hunched at a laptop for hours
- Take long-term opioids
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all orthopedics doctors Top 4 doctors for Lower Back Pain
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.