LOWER BACK PAIN SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

• Dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation. 
• The pain may make it hard to move or stand up straight. 
• Acute back pain comes on suddenly, often after an injury from sports or heavy lifting. 
• Pain that lasts more than three months is considered chronic.
• Stinging, burning pain that moves from the low back to the backs of the thighs, sometimes into the lower legs or feet; can include numbness or tingling (sciatica).
• Muscle spasms and tightness in the low back, pelvis, and hips.
• Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing.
• Difficulty standing up straight, walking, or going from standing to sitting.
• Persistent nerve pains, pain or sensation of numbness, pins and needles in one or both legs.
• Aggravated by bending in all directions.
• Constant pain with no significant relief when resting.
• Weakness of legs, difficulty in walking and unsteady walking.

• Job: If your job involves lifting, pulling, or anything that twists the spine, it may contribute to back pain. However, sitting at a desk all day comes with risks of its own, especially if your chair is uncomfortable or you tend to slouch.
• Bag: Although you may wear your purse, backpack, or briefcase over your shoulder, it is the lower back that supports the upper body -- including any additional weight you carry. So an overstuffed bag can strain the lower back, especially if you carry it day after day. If you must tote a heavy load, consider switching to a wheeled briefcase.
• Workout: Overdoing it at the gym or golf course is one of the most common causes of overextended muscles leading to low back pain. You're especially vulnerable if you tend to be inactive during the work week and then spend hours at the gym or softball field on the weekend.
• Posture: Mom was right when she said, "Stand up straight!" Your back supports weight best when you don't slouch. This means sitting with good lumbar support for your lower back, shoulders back, with feet resting on a low stool. When standing, keep weight evenly balanced on both feet.
• Herniated disc: The spine's vertebrae are cushioned by gel-like discs that are prone to wear and tear from aging or injuries. A weakened disc may rupture or bulge, putting pressure on the spinal nerve roots. This is known as a herniated disc and can cause intense pain.

Due to technology and lifestyle, most people start to experience back pain first when they're in their 20s. It used to be more common in the 30s, with the sedentary lifestyle, we will see people in their 10s starting to feel back pain as well. The odds of additional attacks increase with age. Other reasons your low back may hurt include:

• Being overweight
• Being sedentary
• Lifting heavy stuff

• Try to Modify Activities So That You Are Less Likely to Strain Your Back
• Interrupt a Repetitive Task Frequently by Standing and Stretching. This Helps to Reduce the Stress on the Back, Keeping It From Building up to Critical Levels
• Exercise Programs Must Be Balanced to Include All Parts of the Body, Especially Strengthening the Back
• Exercises Should Be Carried out Frequently in Measured Doses