What causes lower back pain?

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What you need to know about lower back pain

The question “What causes lower back pain?” usually comes to mind when this pain starts to affect our daily life or makes movement difficult. However, it is not always possible to explain the answer by reducing it to a single cause. In many cases, our small habits, posture, conditions such as pregnancy, or temporary strain may set the stage for this complaint.

In this article, we will address one by one the situations in which lower back pain may occur, when it should be taken seriously, and in which cases it is appropriate to consult a doctor.

What causes lower back pain? Are the causes the same in every patient?

The lower back region is the center of gravity that carries the entire load of our body and is directly affected by many movements throughout the day, such as sitting, bending, and lifting. For this reason, staying still for long periods, incorrect posture habits, or sudden strain can lead to tension in the lower back muscles and pain.

We have partially touched on the question of what causes lower back pain above. Not every lower back pain arises from the same cause. Sometimes it is a simple muscle strain, while in other cases, the discs between the vertebrae, joints, or nerve structures play a role in the development of pain.

In other words, even if we experience the same complaint, the underlying causes of lower back pain may differ from person to person. If the pain does not ease in a short time, recurs, or is accompanied by symptoms such as numbness radiating to the leg, it would be healthier not to ignore the situation and to consult a specialist.

What causes right lower back pain and left lower back pain?

When we notice that lower back pain repeatedly occurs in a specific spot, questions such as what causes right lower back pain or left lower back pain come to mind regarding that particular area. Since the lower back region is the body’s center of gravity, it is directly affected by our daily movements. However, pain on one side is often the result of certain habits. For example, carrying a bag on the same shoulder all the time, constantly leaning to one side while sitting, or always turning to the same side while sleeping may, over time, lead to pain in that area.

In addition, pain felt on the right or left side of the lower back may not be solely related to muscles. In some cases, conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, inflammation developing in the kidney tissue, or enlargement of the kidney beyond normal size may also manifest as one-sided lower back pain.

What are the causes of abdominal pain radiating to the lower back?

Lower back pain can sometimes affect different regions of our body and be felt over a wider area. For example, abdominal pain felt in the lower back region is also a common situation. The reason is that the nerves in the abdominal and lower back regions are close to each other.

The causes of abdominal pain radiating to the lower back can be listed as follows:

• Digestive system problems and intense gas complaints
• Kidney stones or urinary tract infections
• Gallbladder-related problems
• Constipation and slowed bowel movements
• Hormonal changes related to the menstrual period in women

The conditions mentioned above can cause abdominal pain, which can also be felt in the lower back. This type of pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms, usually tenderness in the abdominal area, nausea, or fever.

What are the causes of groin pain radiating to the lower back?

Since the groin and lower back regions are connected through nerve networks, some conditions may cause us to feel pain not at a single point but over a wide area. Therefore, pain felt in the lower back does not always mean that the problem originates from the lower back itself.

We can list the causes that may lead to such pain as follows:

• Muscle strain: Pain felt in the groin and lower back may occur after sudden movements and heavy lifting.
• Kidney stones: Stones moving in the urinary tract may cause pain radiating from the groin to the lower back, sometimes increasing in intensity.
• Inguinal hernia: Especially after prolonged standing or strain, groin pain may radiate toward the lower back.
• Gynecological causes in women: Ovulation period and premenstrual sensitivity in women may cause pain radiating from the groin toward the lower back.

Frequently asked questions

Is every lower back pain a herniated disc?

Most lower back pain is related to muscle strain, sudden movements, or posture habits, and usually resolves on its own within a short time. In a herniated disc, however, complaints such as leg pain, numbness, or tingling are often present in addition to lower back pain.

For this reason, we should not consider every lower back pain as a hernia. If the pain does not pass despite rest, spreads to the legs, or significantly restricts our daily movements, it would be appropriate to consult a specialist for evaluation.

What causes severe lower back pain? Which doctor should be consulted for persistent lower back pain?

The question of what causes severe back pain comes to mind when the pain significantly hinders our daily activities. Sometimes lower back pain appears after sudden strain, while at other times it gradually increases unnoticed and reaches a level that negatively affects daily life.

At the same time, lower back pain may also occur due to problems related to the spine and joint structures. Conditions affecting the nerves, such as herniated discs and sciatica, as well as rheumatic fever or osteoporosis resulting from decreased bone density, can all cause pain in the lower back.

For those wondering which doctor to see for long-term back pain, we can say that consulting an orthopedic specialist is the best initial step. After evaluation, referral may be made to specialties such as neurosurgery or physical therapy if deemed necessary.

What causes lower back pain during pregnancy? Is lower back pain a sign of pregnancy?

The question of what causes lower back pain during pregnancy comes up quite often during the gestation period. With pregnancy, our body undergoes both hormonal and physical changes, and these changes may increase the load on the lower back region. Due to the multifaceted nature of these changes, lower back pain during pregnancy is usually not due to a single cause.

We can list the main causes that may lead to lower back pain during pregnancy as follows:

• Shift of the center of gravity: The gradually enlarging abdomen may put pressure on the back region and cause lower back pain.
• Effect of hormones: Hormones released during pregnancy make the joints more flexible and may create sensitivity in the lower back region.
• Muscles working more: As the abdominal muscles stretch, the lower back muscles carry more load to maintain balance, which may cause pain.
• Weight gain: Increased body weight may raise the pressure acting on the lumbar vertebrae.
• Postural changes: Walking or standing while leaning backward may increase lower back pain.

The question of whether lower back pain is a sign of pregnancy is also among the curiosities on this topic. In the early period, some people may feel mild lower back and groin pain. However, it would not be correct to conclude pregnancy based solely on this complaint.

Is lower back pain normal at 2 months of pregnancy? How can lower back pain during pregnancy be relieved?

Lower back pain at 2 months of pregnancy may create concern because it is felt while the pregnancy is still in its early stage. During this early period, the body rapidly undergoes hormonal changes, and weakness occurs in connective tissues. In addition, the uterus beginning to grow and increased blood flow in the pelvic region may create sensitivity around the lower back.

For all these reasons, mild and intermittent lower back pain may also be seen in the first months of pregnancy and is usually considered normal.

What can be done for lower back pain during pregnancy can be listed as follows:

• Avoid standing for long periods and try to rest in between
• Use a pillow that supports the lower back while sitting
• Prefer side-lying position and place a pillow between the knees
• Avoid sudden bending and heavy lifting
• Do light stretching and flexibility exercises during the day
• Relax the muscles with a warm shower
• Prefer comfortable and supportive shoes

Which department handles severe lower back pain during pregnancy?

When severe lower back pain occurs during pregnancy, the department we should first consult is obstetrics and gynecology. The physician following the pregnancy evaluates whether the pain is related to the pregnancy process and, if necessary, may refer to other specialties.

Which department should be consulted for lower back pain in children?

The answer to the question of which department to consult for lower back pain in children is usually pediatrics for the initial evaluation. After examination, the pediatrician evaluates whether the pain is related to the growth period, muscle strain, or another cause and may refer to relevant specialties if necessary.