Generally low back pain is not a cause of concern, because it dissipates with rest, pain killers and back rubs. This kind of pain is usually the result of sore muscles and ligaments caused by over stressing the lower back. Nevertheless, lower back pain can be of a more serious nature too, and that is explained below.

One cause of low back pain is kidney back pain. Kidney back pain occurs if there is kidney inflammation, kidney infection, kidney stones or other kidney related disorders. On the onset of the pain, it is difficult for the sufferer to pinpoint where the pain is emanating from. However, if the patient concentrates and focuses his attention, it will be relatively easier for him to locate the epicenter of the pain.

Back pain due to kidney pain occurs in the back, on either side of the spinal cord and just above the hips. This roughly corresponds to the area where the kidneys are located in the inner part of the body. This is just one way of differentiating between low back pain and kidney back pain. In addition, kidney back pain will be accompanied by other factors that cause discomfort, such as fevers, chills, nausea and vomiting. In addition, the back around the kidney region will be sore and tender and rather painful. People who suffer kidney back pain sometimes liken it to the pain experienced during childbirth in intensity. Kidney back pain cannot be alleviated with regular home remedies such as heating pads or back rubs.

Another kind of low back pain that can be of a serious nature is described as neuropathic pain in medical terms. Neuropathic pain occurs if there is stress on the system of nerves in the lower back region. The stress on the nerves here could be due to lower back injury, inflammation of the nerve paths or even compression of the nerves in the lower back, especially of the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve pain begins in the lower back area, and radiates down the buttocks into the leg sometimes extending into the foot. The sufferer may experience numbness, tingling and difficulty in standing and moving around. Sciatic pain generally occurs on one side of the body.

Low back pain of neuropathic nature may also result due to herniated or bulging discs. Due to wear and tear the discs in the spine tend to weaken and become worn out. Discs may become herniated and begin to bulge, with the result that the back is under severe pressure and stress. Low back pain may also be the result of arthritis or other spinal disorders.