03/10/2025
There are many possible causes of back pain involving the spine, muscles, and spinal nerve. Here are some of the more common:
Strain or Sprain
Strains and sprains are the most common causes of back pain, especially in the lower back. A strain refers to the tearing of a muscle or tendon (which connects muscles to bones), while a sprain refers to the tearing of a ligament (which connects bones in a joint).1
A torn tendon or ligament may be the result of a fall, sports injury, or overuse of a joint (known as a repetitive stress injury).1
The pain can range from mild to severe and is often described as an "all-over pain" that moves into the buttocks. The pain tends to worsen with movement and improve with rest. Back stiffness is also common.
The Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain
Slipped or Ruptured Disc
Spinal discs located between the bones of the spine serve as shock-absorbing cushions. Over time, the discs can start to bulge due to aging, obesity, or repetitive stress or occur spontaneously as a result of a traumatic back injury.
When this happens, a disc can start to protrude outward, causing a bulging or slipped disc. The pain from a slipped disc is often described as throbbing, burning, or tingling due to the compression of nerves emanating from the spine (called spinal nerve roots.1
A disc can also tear, resulting in a ruptured (herniated) disc. When this happens, the inner part of the disc called the nucleus pulposus will push out and compress nearby nerves, triggering significant nerve pain.2
A ruptured disc can cause sharp lower pain that can into the buttocks, groin, or leg. A ruptured disc in the neck can cause pain that moves down an arm. Muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling are also common.2
Muscle Spasm
A back spasm is characterized by sudden tightening of your back muscles. This causes pain ranging from mild to severe which people often describe as being deep and throbbing. It can occur due to the overuse of your back muscles.
