Low back pain can strike suddenly, like when you lift a heavy object. Or it can come on gradually, over time, from issues like poor posture or weight gain. At some point in their lives, up to 90% of people in the U.S. suffer from low back pain.1 If you’re among that group, it’s important to pinpoint why your back hurts so you can get the right treatment to relieve your back pain or numbness. So if you find yourself wondering, why does my low back hurt, read on to learn the causes of lower back pain:
- An accident or injury, such as a car accident, a sports injury that can lead to a sprain or spasm, a fall or lifting a heavy object.
- Lifestyle factors, like obesity, sitting for long periods of time, poor posture while sitting and standing, lack of exercise, stress that causes muscle tension in the back, being out of shape or carrying a heavy backpack.