6 Reasons Your Lower Back Hurts and How to Treat It
June 18, 2025
Lower back pain can strike at any time – while carrying groceries, tying your shoe or even sneezing – and it is a common problem that, unfortunately, becomes more likely as we age. In this article, Ramil S. Bhatnagar, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, discusses what causes lower back pain, the different treatment options available and prevention ideas.
What Does Lower Back Pain Feel Like?
Lower back pain often feels like stiffness, muscle spasms and limited mobility in the part of the back that curves inward between the ribs and the hips. However, symptoms of lower back pain can vary depending on the cause.
Some common symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower back that may radiate to the buttocks, legs or feet
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or feet
- Difficulty walking or standing
Causes of Lower Back Pain
A wide variety of injuries and diseases can cause lower back pain. Some of the most common causes Dr. Bhatnagar sees include:
Herniated discs
Discs sit between the bones of the spine to absorb shock. When the soft, jelly-like center of a disc moves out of place past the tough outer layer, it can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness and weakness.
Spinal stenosis
The spinal cord, your body’s nerve superhighway, runs through a tunnel created by the bones of the spine. This tunnel can become narrow due to bone spurs or herniated discs, among other reasons. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord’s nerves, causing pain.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one of the bones of the spine slips forward on top of the bone below it, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain.
Degenerative disc disease
Like car tires that have driven many miles, the discs in the spine wear down over time. Because they serve as a natural cushion to the spine’s bones, people can experience pain, stiffness and other problems when they wear out.
Muscle strains and sprains
Injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the back, often caused by lifting heavy objects, twisting or sudden movements, can cause lower back pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. It can affect the joints in the spine, causing lower back pain.
Diagnosing Lower Back Pain
To diagnose the cause of lower back pain, a doctor will take a patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam to determine if symptoms, mobility, genetic factors or lifestyle point toward a specific condition. Dr. Bhatnagar adds imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scan, which can also help clarify and confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain
The treatment for lower back pain depends on the cause, the severity of the pain and pre-existing conditions. Some standard treatment options include:
- Non-surgical treatments: These include rest, ice or heat therapy, medication, physical therapy and injections.
- Surgical treatments: Typically reserved for cases of severe pain or nerve damage, some surgical procedures include discectomy to remove part or all of a herniated disc, laminectomy to remove part of the top of the spinal canal to relieve pressure, and spinal fusion to join bones of the spine to provide stability.
Tips to Prevent Lower Back Pain
At times, lower back pain is out of your control or may result from an accident or injury. However, Dr. Bhatnagar says there are several things you can do to prevent chronic lower back pain, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Using proper lifting techniques
- Avoiding smoking
- Getting enough sleep
Lower back pain is a common problem that various factors can cause. With proper treatment, most people can recover from lower back pain and return to their normal activities. If you are experiencing lower back pain, see a doctor to get a diagnosis and form a treatment plan to find relief.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: Ramil S. Bhatnagar, M.D.
- To make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about pain management at Hackensack Meridian Health.
