What causes this lower back pain?

What causes lower back pain?

• I've been feeling pressure and soreness in my lower back for the last six days. Along with that is a light feeling of nausea. For the most part the aching has been bearable. until i get into my car, where i sit upright.Now on the sixth day (today) i awoke with stiffness and little sharp pains. Not enough to stop me from functioning. because i was still able to run up and down the stairs. That was until I sneezed from the dust in the hall. I sneezed one time, and at that moment my knees gave out and the most excruciating pain hit my lower back shot up through my arms and to my upper back. I could not stand back up so i crawled to my bed. Now i can't sit up. And it hurts to move and or turn over. I've had a kidney infection in my early 20s. And from what I remember the pain was not limited to my lower back but also my sides too.

• Answer:

  Hi, I am a physical therapist. Lower back pain can have a number of causes. Back pain that is aggravated by sitting, bending, and flexing is generally caused by discs. Back pain aggravated by standing, walking, or running can be related to facet joints, stenosis, or degenerative discs. One of the more difficult issues around treating lower back pain is that it takes time and consistency. Simple things you must do include avoiding any aggravating activity, postures or positions, utilizing ice, and doing exercises that are pain free. For exercises and treatment recommendations for specific types of back issues you can visit: http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/Lower-back-pain.html Hope this helps....good luck. ~JTrempe PT, ATC