Low Back Pain (Adults) – A General Guide

Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, Spine Surgeon, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai. Last reviewed June 2026.

Understanding Low Back Pain

Almost everyone experiences low back pain at some point. The reassuring truth is that even severe back pain usually improves on its own within a few weeks, and it's rare to need urgent care or surgery. This page is a starting point to help you understand the possibilities — for a specific diagnosis, see the linked pages below.

Common Causes

Muscle or Ligament Strain

The most common cause — often from lifting, twisting, or sudden movement. Usually improves within days to a couple of weeks.

Lumbar Disc Herniation & Sciatica

A disc in the lower back pushes outward and irritates a nerve, often causing pain that travels down the leg. See Lumbar Disc Herniation & Sciatica.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal, typically causing leg pain that worsens with walking and improves with sitting. See Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

Pain from the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis. See Sacroiliac Joint Pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease

General age-related disc wear and tear. See Degenerative Disc Disease.

Vertebral Compression Fracture

Often related to osteoporosis, causing sudden-onset back pain, sometimes with minimal or no trauma. See Vertebral Compression Fracture.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if your back pain:

• Followed a fall or significant injury
• Comes with numbness or weakness in the legs
• Comes with bladder or bowel control problems
• Is associated with unexplained weight loss
• Is associated with fever or feeling generally unwell
• Occurs in someone on long-term steroid medication, with diabetes, a weakened immune system, or a history of cancer or osteoporosis
• Is so severe you can't do simple tasks, or hasn't started improving within 4 weeks

What You Can Do for Simple Back Pain

• Stay as active as you reasonably can — avoid prolonged bed rest
• Use heat for stiffness
• Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if needed
• Gradually return to normal activity, avoiding heavy lifting until pain settles

When Should You Seek Medical Attention Urgently?

Seek urgent evaluation for new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle area, or fever with back pain — these can indicate Cauda Equina Syndrome or another condition needing prompt treatment.

About Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary

This page was written by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, trained in complex spine surgery at Harvard Medical School (Beth Israel Deaconess) and the Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis. Learn more about Dr. Chaudhary →

This information is for general education and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.