Lower back pain is one of the most commonly occurring conditions that takes people to the doctor. As a general condition, low back pain is easily relieved and quickly overcome with adequate rest, simple home remedies and back strengthening exercises. Recovery is from within a few days to a few months from the onset of the condition. Some sufferers may have low back pain as a recurring condition, for others it will be a rare occurrance.

One cause of low back pain is muscular strains and sprains. These result from twisting turning, overexertion and from bad posture. Gentle back rubs, application of heat and/or cold packs helps relieve the pain. Pain medication also relieves low back pain.

Stress is another casue of lower back pain. It is a psychosomatic reaction to emotional and psychological stress. Doctors may suggest gentle back rubs yoga and meditation, and other stress busting exercises to overcome stress related lower back pain. In some case, the patient may need to take tranquilizers and stress relieving medications.

Muscular spasms cause lower back pain, and the patient will need rest and exercise coupled with back rubs and muscle relaxant medication.

Lower back pain is commonly referred to as lumbago and is a common symptom of musculoskeletal disorders. These disorders include arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and such other ailments. First line of treatment will vary with diagnosis, but back strengthening exercises and appropriate medication and dietary supplements will be prescribed by the attending physician.

Lower back pain may also mask conditions of the intra-abdominal cavity and is called referred pain. One example is kidney pain. Kidney pain is experienced as lower back pain below the waist in the area where the kidneys are located. Kidney ailments will cause a sudden onset of excruciating pain in the lower back on one side of the spinal cord corresponding to the ailing kidney. Kidney pain can be caused by kidney inflammation and infection and also by kidney stones. The surface area of the back corresponding to the ailing kidney will be tender and sore to the touch. Manipulation helps the doctor make a differential diagnosis. Kidney back pain is only relieved by attending to the kidney ailment.

Chronic lower back pain that causes recurring distress can be due to spinal conditions like sciatica or diseased discs. Sciatic pain begins in the low lumbar region and radiates into the buttock and down the front, side or back of the leg all the way down to the foot. The patient will have difficulty in movement and will experience cramp like symptoms. Sciatica can immobilize the sufferer.

Herniated discs, prolapsed discs and slipped discs are vertebral conditions. The discs that cushion the vertebrae may become diseased and sometimes begin to exert pressure on a nerve or a set of nerves. The resulting pain is excruciating and the accompanying conditions may immobilize the patient. In severe conditions, surgery may be required to repair the damage, especially if the condition is causing immobilization, tingling and numbness and incontinence of the bladder and bowels.