Common causes of low back pain include lumbar strain, lumbar radiculopathy, bony encroachment, and other neuropathic, spinal or disc ailments. The lower back is the strongest and most flexible part of the spinal column with large muscle groups connected to it, which makes the lumbar region especially prone to injury. The spinal cord also terminates between vertebrae in the low back and leads to nerve roots and the sciatic nerve which travels down the legs. Trauma to the lower back and lumbar strain can occur as a result of an auto accident or slip and fall, improper lifting or lifting large, heavy objects, and some patients experience sports related injuries.

Specific Pains from endometriosis and sciatica

Women may experience monthly or periodic lower back pain as a result of their menstrual cycle and/or reproductive system complications such as endometriosis and fibroid issues. In addition, pregnancy may cause lower back pain due to the repositioned center of gravity and pressure placed on the spine and lower back. Some pregnant women also experience Braxton-hicks contractions or have a pinched nerve (sciatica) which can produce pain in the lower back and pelvis regions. The causes of pain in the low back, or lumbosacral region, tend to add on to one another and if left untreated, some back ailments can cause more chronic low back pain symptoms.

Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) is not exclusive to pregnant women, and it is described as a sharp or burning pain in the lower back that shoots down the legs in a dermatomal pattern as a result of compression of the roots of the spinal nerves in the lumbar region of the spine. Sciatica can also cause numbness or weakness in the legs and difficulty walking or rising from sitting to a standing position. Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has similar symptoms as sciatica, but patients have a great deal of difficult walking due to the compression of the nerves and lack of blood circulation in the lumbar area (cauda equina).

Pain prevention with exercise, diet and posture

Some pain management exercises and stretches can reduce lower back pain. Elevate your legs while lying on your back on a hard surface with your hips and knees bent and your feet on a chair. This position takes the pressure and weight off your back, and then slowly raise your left knee to your chest and hold it there for five seconds while pressing your lower back against the floor. Continue alternating legs ten to fifteen times.

Being overweight and poor posture can also increase back pain. A proper diet and exercise will help persons get to an optimum weight and fitness level. Exercises like yoga can help strengthen your core and improve flexibility. Posture should be improved when sitting, standing and sleeping. To maintain good posture: Keep your ears, shoulders and hips in a straight line, with your head up and your stomach pulled in. Many people have a tendency to slouch their shoulders and put their head forward which increases strain on the lumbar muscles of the lower back.