Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

A common cause of back pain is injury to a muscle or ligament. These strains and sprains can occur for many reasons, including improper lifting, poor posture and lack of regular exercise. Being overweight may increase the risk of back strains and sprains.

Back pain may also be caused by more-serious injuries, such as a spinal fracture or ruptured disk. It can also result from arthritis and other age-related changes in the spine. Certain infections can cause back pain.

Possible causes of back pain include:

  1. Ankylosing spondylitis
  2. Endometriosis
  3. Fibromyalgia
  4. Herniated disk
  5. Kidney infection (also called pyelonephritis)
  6. Kidney stones (hard objects that form due to chemicals in urine)
  7. Muscle strains
  8. Obesity
  9. Osteoarthritis
  10. Osteomyelitis
  11. Osteoporosis
  12. Poor posture
  13. Pregnancy
  14. Sacroiliitis
  15. Sciatica
  16. Scoliosis
  17. Spinal cord tumor
  18. Spinal fractures
  19. Spinal stenosis
  20. Spondylolisthesis
  21. Sprains

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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Sept. 17, 2022

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