Why Does My Lower Back Hurt?

There are many possible reasons why your lower back might be hurting. Some of the most common causes include:

* Muscle strain: This can happen when you lift something heavy improperly or twist your back awkwardly.

* Ligament sprain: This can happen when you overstretch or tear a ligament in your lower back.

* Herniated disk: This occurs when the soft inner material of a disk between your vertebrae leaks out and presses on a nerve.

* Sciatica: This is a type of nerve pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down your leg, is irritated or compressed.

* Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can cause the cartilage in your spine to break down and become inflamed.

* Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the nerves in your lower back.

* Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness, including in the lower back.

If your lower back pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.