Low back pain- The most common causes of lower back pain 

As a former Olympic weightlifter, where lower back strength, and stability by all surrounding muscles, is highly critical, this short yet comprehensive video clip is just brilliant. I thank you for your time; for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us here.

This is a most comprehensive video...I never usually comment, but I can’t help but be impressed by how clear, and uncomplicated you have made this. Thank you.

Most of us are either doing too much physical activity, not enough physical activity, having poor posture, sitting down for too long and too often, or having poor posture while doing physical activities. Make sure you correct your posture, stretch, and exercise, people I can't stress this enough.

Dude… you nailed my lower back pain! Thank you for helping my understand what caused it, what phase I’m in now, how to work through it, and how to strengthen the muscles so that it’s less likely to happen again.

Listening to this video convinced me that I have finally found my path to recovery. I've had x-rays and even visited gynecologists with no much help. I'm definitely joining our class. And you are a great teacher; you explain so well.

Thank you! I messed my back up a week and ago and now I’m in phase 2. I was pretty worried cause I’ve never felt that type of stiffness and back pain. This video definitely helps.

My guy lookin like the Elon Musk of lower back pain

Wish the health professionals I consulted would explain things like that.

Amazing. Thank you. I've had excruciating lower back pain for about 4 days now. I spent 15 minutes crying in the bathroom this morning because I couldn't get my clothes on by myself 😔 you have given me so much hope! I'll start cold packs and light massage tonight, then move through your other phases. Thank you so much.

I've been struggling with lower back pain for the past few days and it's been really difficult to try and explain the severity of the pain to people, but you've explained it in such simplest way. I wish I watched your video earlier.

Very vividly explained, this video answered all of my questions, understanding the connections between the nerves and the muscles, and also getting systematic step by step solution 1.getting the pain down 2 improve flexibility 3. Strengthening.

Recommending breaking phases into 1-2-3 is very helpful. Probably mitigates damaging the painful back area. Being born in '63, and being relatively healthy and strong, this is the first I've dealt with almost crippling lower back pain. Thanks for taking the time to produce and post. Also thanks for posting the 2 videos recommended at end of this very helpful video. -Dave (Ashland Virginia USA)

I lifted something heavy with a turning motion and the spasms started. You hit the nail on the head with my problem of lower back pain. Had a shot for inflammation the next day . Two days later pain is down to a 4 or a 5 and only occurs when standing up from a chair or getting out of bed. Your explanation of the muscles around the spine and over the top of the hips is spot on for my situation.

The fright of being diagnosed with bulging discs, etc, thank you for sharing your knowledge, always soothing to be better informed. 💐

I have searched and watched so many videos for my lower back pain. This is the best and clearest and most comprehensive video. My physical therapist never explained to me the you explained it. Thank you sir and God bless you.

Finally someone who knows what they're talking about!

OMG this is what I’ve been searching for. I really can’t stand straight whenever I have this situation.

This pain has ruined the last 6 years of my life. I’m 36. Again, it’s nice to see someone knowing what they’re talking about.

I am a 57 year old male in phase one acute back pain…thanks for the clear explanation…you have described me to a tee. I moved my kids a week ago and one morning I woke up with this very acute pain and could hardly move around. I am in my 3rd day and I feel like it is starting to ease a bit…I will watch your other videos…thanks so much!!

You explain everything so well. I’ve chronic low back pain - going on three months. Your videos provide hope. Thank you.

This has helped me understand how a pain on the side of my lower back (muscular) is still actually related to my spine. Great work & many thanks

Most informative, interesting and understandable video on lower back pain I've seen. Great work and thank you 👍

Very comprehensive. I really appreciated this. I'm in my 30s and need to start taking my health more seriously; I lead a very sedentary lifestyle, always have. I love understanding the Why & How as it helps me really hold onto information, so much thanks for really getting into the details and using the spine model to clearly explain this stuff.

My husband is having horrible pain right now. His lower back is so painful. This video has helped us. Many thanks from Kenya 🇰🇪

I was considering booking an appointment with a chiropractor but you pretty much said everything I needed to know and I'm already seeing results ❤️

That is so helpful, I am currently on my way from acute to chronic. I now understand that a week of sitting in a chair because the hot weather was too much for me followed by gardening when it cooled down is almost certainly what triggered this pain. I look forward to getting healed enough to start the strengthening but I’m definitely not there yet.

Firstly I want to thank you for taking the time to make this video, I have watched and listened to so many different people at this stage of my lower back pain I ended up over thinking everything and confused as to what to do next. This is by far the best explained explanation I have come across, what I have learned from you today will help me so much going forward. Thank you so much, I am in stage 2 ready for stage 3 I will be subscribing and watching the next two videos. 👍 Damien

Fantastic explanation. Thank you, I have been in different levels of pain for 3 weeks now and had started to think that it was not a back injury as the Dr said and that It could be something else.

I have been dealing with back pain since I was 16. Just recently it turned into an extreme case. I was hospitalized for 2 weeks and unable to walk unassisted for 3 months. Since then I have random flare ups causing muscle spasms, weakness, and numbness in my legs. The doctors said they did not see anything on my MRI that would cause such extreme pain. I am 24 and consistently have to take time off of work because I suddenly collapse. None of this seems normal. I am a personal trainer who specializes in corrective exercise. I am very educated on strengthening the right muscle groups to support my lower back and practice what I preach yet here I am. Stretching will often cause random flare ups as well. My first indicator of my back getting ready to go out is typically tremors in my hands and arms. I’m sort of at a loss in my life regarding my back pain but this video explains the inflammation piece of it so beautifully. I’m going to continue to fight against the American medical system and get fixed in no time 👍🏻😎 thanks for sharing!

And that's how it's done booya! That was the most informative visual learning experience I've gotten from RU-vid bad-ass! Thank you

Thank you. I'll try daily stretching. I've had backpain since I was 10 years old, but the last year I've gotten worse pain (need to use my arms to get up from a sitting position, looking like my 97 years old grandma). I also got urination problems (feels like I have to go all the time, 30-40 times a day, but it's not uvi) and whenever I need to do number 2 pressing gives insane pain in my lower back, menstual pain, glutes pain and pain all the way down to my knees. I went to my doctor and he thought it might be neurological and gave me sarotex for the pain, but after 5 weeks I still got 70% of the pain. I also went to naprapath, he said my muscles in my whole back were tense and used cupping, massage and unlocked a locking I had between my shoulder blades. It didn't help my lower back pain. 😔 I'm 30, but feels like I'm 80.. Going to try the stretching and walk more. I'm a student so at least 8 hours of sitting daily. 🙈

I have been doing physio for 2 months In Geneva Switzerland... definitely not nearly as good as this chap! Thanks a lot

PWG, the approach you use for all your videos is exceptional. Explaining and showing the physical structure of the body then detailing the possible roots causes and then on to clear/simple methods to try to correct issue. There is a lot of "noise" out there with RU-vid Physical Therapists but your approach is very welcomed. Thanks

You have helped me understand everything about the backache I encountered last week. I'm unable to move properly. After watching this I have a complete idea of how it will heal. Thank you, sir.

Really appreciate the content sir. I am a Fitness trainer and although I don't claim to be a professional in aiding back pain, I am very interested in in prioritizing my clients ability to exercise pain free during our sessions, or at least providing them with well prescribed guidance to do some research or work at home if they aren't open to hiring a physical therapist. This is exactly the kind of content I'd want them to see!

U were right about the pandemic being the cause of my lower back pain. it did get weak over time

Finally! A thorough explanation. It’s most likely my muscles. I have lower back pain in a very specific spot. I can go months with no pain. Right now, it hurts so bad that I cannot stand up straight. In 44 yo. Every movement hurts. Pain shoots down my left leg. My MRI cannot explain why my back hurts 10/10. No MRI explanation=No treatment. Thank US healthcare! Rubish!

Hi - very informative and logical messages here. This is the first time I’m a generally fit male approaching 65 and have experienced chronic lower back pain for the past 6 months. I also have an enlarged prostate and am really interested in your comments regarding this as a possible cause. Would your stretching and strengthening exercises be appropriate for me and are there any other processes I could try if the prostate is a cause of the back pain. Thanks

I am 59 years old and in phase 1 of this lower back pain for about 3 weeks as of this writing. It helps to understand what I am going through right now. Thank you for the very clear explanation....Got to see some of your videos for stretching and re strengthening so I can go back to "normal", haha...

It’s like you’ve just summarized my life in one video so easily

Awesome video!!! I think my current conditions fits exactly the definition of phase 1. My lower back started hurting badly over the last couple of days, to the point that I even have difficulty standing up straight or turn from side to side in bed. It could be related to a snowboarding fall a few days ago. This video is excellent in explaining what my problem might be. I certainly would love watching your other videos to learn more. I think I still need medical help to recover faster. But the information here is invaluable. Thanks a million!!

I am suffering from back pain on and off for the last two months. I just realised that my lower back muscles are weak and its high time that i follow the phased approach to strengthen my lower back muscles.

Thank you SO very much for breaking all this down and explaining the processes involved! Now I understand the order of the inflammation, nerve involvement & muscle spasms. This will help me interrupt the cycle in a positive way.

Thank you very much. I recently had both SI joints fused. I did well shortly after the surgeries. Then, the lower back pain started. After watching your video, I'm confident it is from sitting too much and losing strength during my recovery. Excellent explanation. Thank you.

I've had lower back pain from time to time, not too often. I just experienced some severe lower back pain (acute) and found this video. My wife, brother-in-law and father have had multiple back surgeries, so I have seen and heard a lot about lower back pain. This video is BY FAR the best explanation of back pain and how to solve it, that I have ever seen. I rarely comment on videos, but had to on this one. Outstanding job sir.

Thanks mate, understand my pain more now. I’m 5 days into my back going into spasm again, I have suffered from chronic back pain for more years than I can remember , I’m only 36 too...🙄

Thank you for explaining all of this. I’m 78 and have lower back pain which seems to come and go, but lately seems to be getting worse for being stupid and picking up stuff that’s too heavy. However, I just began water therapy for my back as well as my knees and this definitely helps. I know it gets worse if you’re inactive but trying to baby it for awhile.

Thank you so much for this video. I average about 220 miles a week on the bike and after an intense ride yesterday, I started to experience pain in my lower back. You have helped me to identify acute pain, that while seemingly random, is most likely anything but. I now realize that I must work on strengthening my back muscles to continue to ride pain free. Subscribed!

I'm 53, and have had chronic lower back pain since 2018. after watching this video. I will follow your advise and I would like to watch some to your advise in the next video.

Finally a Professional with Actual knowledge. Thank you for this video

I'm 27 years old I notice 3 years ago I've started having bad lower back pain so bad that sometimes I just cant get out of bed bc it feels like it's going to break 😓😥. If I also do alot of bending or stand too long my Lowe back pain gets so bad I have to go lay down until the next day so I can walk again😭 no I haven't been to the dr.

I couldnt tell if my LB pain was from the bones or muscles. I now understand its muscular. Im coming out of phase 1 because I can zero in on the pain exactly now. Im having tight knot spasms in one glute and the piriformis is extremely tight. This video was very helpful, thank you so much 😊

Hands down the best explanation I've seen of what causes lower back pain - this was so helpful. I'm currently in the acute phase with my back locking up randomly. Thanks so much - it's easier to deal with once you have an idea of why it's happening 👍

I have been seeing a chiropractor for the last few weeks, trying to fix the acute pain in my back from improperly lifting my toddler, to no avail. I’m 33 and have had three children in the last three years, with a pretty significant Diastasis Recti (4 finger) gap to show for it. I’ve been thinking that the lack of strength in my abdominal wall (due to the gap) is likely causing weakness in my back (in the lower right area that you said is common), but I’m in so much pain I wasn’t sure where to start- I can’t strengthen right now- I can barely move in certain directions. I missed my chiropractor appointment this morning which gave me a moment of pause- maybe I need to try a different approach. Went to google and found your video. Incredibly helpful. When you said most pain is from weakness I immediately paused the video and went and told my husband. It all makes sense now. I look forward to checking out more of your information. Thank you so much for this video. I have hope I haven’t had in a while. I am too young to be so limited in motion and in so much pain!

From 1983 to present I have had four surgeries and now fused on my L-3, -4, & -5 and S-1, plus fused at C-3, 4- &-5. My most recent back surgery was 2015 and unlike prior surgeries I now deal with daily chronic pain in my lower back muscles. Your presentation was precise in describing my situation, aged and sedentary, resulting in weak lower back muscles. Best explaination than my doctors have provided. I will definitely will view all of you videos and recommend them to my ailing friends.

Praying to finally get better. I'm in phase 1. It's been a long haul, but you've given me hope.

A very good detail explanation on back pain. It helps me a lot in my lower back pain. Thank you.

I’ve had a lower back pain now and it really hurts I can’t even moving 😭 Thanks for your video.

I learned more from this video than from any doctor I have visited. Explaining the way you do with the skeletal model and articulating the dynamics, made things much clearer to me.

In 25 years of chronic back problems, this is the most clear explanation of the causes of back pain that I have seen. Thank you.

Thank you for being so clear and easy to understand. I look forward to watching the other videos. When I hurt my back it’s no one’s fault but mine. Yet we’ll keep over doing it! Again thank you, great job.

Excellent video. You nailed my back issue to a tee. I felt as though you completely described what I am feeling in my lower back. I plan on watching the acute video you listed at the end of this video because that is the stage I am in now. I hurt my back lifting some heavy boxes. I didn’t feel anything at the time, but the next day I could barely walk. My pain is in my very lower back and goes across from one side to the other. Any movement is painful. Standing up and bending over especially. Thank you so much for making this video and the others. You are helping so many people.

Strong stomach muscles help to give you a strong lower back.💡

Hello sir... After seeing many videos i found your video, very much clear to the topic with easy English slow speech... I used to work on computer for more than 18 hours...now i found reason of lower back pain... So nice of you

Helps me think I'm not dying and I need to be more active and exercise and your steps help me know what I need to do next.

Excellent video. Thanks for taking the time to film and edit it and of course for positing it for our benefit. Keep up the good work! I find that my lower back pain is chronic due to the reasons you explained but also due to stress. When I'm stressed or in bad spirits the pain increases. Yoga helps and so does meditation. Unfortunately, I don't get to do it enough. The pandemic has kept us lethargic and that has not helped either. -Migs

This is the most accurate and helpful breakdown of lower back pain I have come across, with clear action steps to follow. Thank you so much. After 6 weeks of level of 3/4 pain and working daily on flexibility, it does bother me that my sleep is disrupted almost every night, is this cause for concern? Or normal part of the healing process?

Very very clear and helpful! Made me clearly understand the difference between chronic and acute pain!

You really help me understand my lower back pain I don't really think it's too bad I just started I just started experiencing lower back pain a couple of weeks ago this has really helped me strengthen my back

I am in phase 3. I used to own and worked in a hair salon. I had intermittent back pain, some severe. I had a facial injury (trigeminal nerve damage) it caused terrible pain often keeping me in bed. I still had intermittent back pain. Years later the back pain became chronic even though i was exercising, swimming, and mowing the grass for a few years. Suddenly everything hurt my back and I sweat severely at the same tome. My feet began burning, hair falling out and more. I've learned more from your video then I have from going to Duke University Medical Center for years. Now I have a mission to go through your other videos! I am not one to give up but I have given up a couple years ago. I just have succumb to a life in bed for the most part. I tried to Garden and this year I am only doing perennials. I had to move out of my house into a condo but I will not get a flat I must have stairs because it is my only form of exercise. I had access to a pool and when I was in it it was absolutely magnificent but as I walked out it felt like somebody was piling bricks on my back. Even had dreams that I lived in a pool! I know it's crazy but yeah. Going to try to get my doctors to get me into the pool at Duke now that the covid- stuff is over. My father had a pool that I was using but he has since passed away as did my brother two days later. This was about three years ago. I believe the depression has made everything worse. I'm sorry I'm telling you all this. Thank you so much for this video😢❤

This is really useful, cheers. I've struggled to find an explanation for my repeated back pains, which often leave me bed bound for a week at a time. Articles online often mention weakness as the cause, however it really helps seeing you point to the exact points where I experience pain and then explaining why that particular area is affected.

The order of the recovery phases you suggest really help speeding up the healing process. I confirm from my experience.

What are the stretching exercises recommended for the lower back and how to strenth them back to normal? Thanks 😊

thank you for taking a class with you .i learned a lot on that video because i have lower back pain i am 66 years old and have not yet checked with a docto yet .i will let you know how i feel later after recovery .thank you again

Even a kid will clearly understand your explanation. Simple and clear. Keep it up!

THANK YOU!!!! My words fail to express my sincere appreciation for your time spent and generosity. Your systematic coverage of lower back pain concisely educated me about my own situation post surgery. Thank you! 🙏

Thank you very much, i have a clear picture now, presently i am in phase 1 and in medication - pain killer vitamin and anti acidity tablets. Is there need for change in food style? I am a vegan.

Super helpful video ! I feel like I’ve been skipping that flexibility portion of improving my lower back pain since the pain keeps comin’ back. Will definitely work on that (thanks to your video)!

I’m 72 and have severe chronic pain from lumbar fusion in 2011. L4, L5 & SI fused with bone grafting. My pain is mostly very low, tail bone and Sac. joints, both sides. I go to a spine & pain Doctor regularly and receive shots, radio frequency and ablation. My nerves radiate down my legs and feet when my pain gets intensely strong. Applying ice and heat does help relieve some of the pain, taken with my prescription, I get relief!

I am a regularly active person. I had gotten sick this past week and I was in bed most of the time. Yesterday I was felling well enough to get up and move around. This morning I woke up with intense pain in my lower back with no idea how. Thank you for explaining. No movement = pain. I am currently on ice and moving just enough to not hurt but hopefully enough to strengthen. Thank you again

I just experienced a sort of twinge while reaching into a lower cupboard and was immediately in a good deal of pain. I can now say I’m in phase 1 of acute lower back pain and it seems to be within that “most common” region of the superficial muscle you pointed out. I will admit that weakness is also the general cause of my back pain issues. I’m hoping to understand the differences of pain so I can better my back and make it stronger

Thank you so much for the comprehensive explanation, it was really helpful. You are really great

Thanks Doc for the very clear presentation. I used to have constant pain in the lower back since I was diagnosed with Spondylosis in 2004. The pain was constant during that year, then in the next 5 to 7 years, only occassional pain. However in the latter years up to the present, the pain is rare but when triggered by heavy activities or standing for a long period of time, the pain is there. Now I have an isolated Cervical spondylosis which is more disturbing than my lower back.

Desperately searching for help after yesterday’s disaster. This happened when I was out on my bike. My arms and legs completely froze and I was forced to abandon ship into a hedge. Then happened in the night. The pain was so intense I passed out and hit my head on the wall, was knocked out cold. Ambulance took me away for the night, but sadly the doctor didn’t explain as well as you have. Looking forwards to phase 2. Ouuuuch.

Thanks, I;m in phase one. this is my first time watching. i am a senior and i lift a lot of heavy things, at this time i am in a lot of pain. thanks for explaining it so i can under stand.

Thank you for a really interesting and good explanation. It was exactly what I was looking for. Now I'll watch your videos about stretching and exercises 😊 Merry Christmas! 🎅🎄

Thank u so much for this video i have lower back pain since august due to lifting too much heavy and treated with medications, i was ok, went back to work and do my normal life, then last October felt the pain again because of too much movement in my work place, until now the pain still, i will try to do your stretching video, cause mine is chronic pain now

"It's a slow and painful death, my brother"

Definitely one of the best explanations of lower back pain on the internet, thank you

Excellent explanation. Very open, honest and transparent. Much appreciated.

Very informative, 70 year old man tradesman's all my life regularly have back pain, still very active and fit. In flammation tablets bad on my stomach

Thank you for explaining clearly. I’ve recently moved from Phase 1 to Phase 2 and the video summarized how important it is to improve flexibility and follow with strengthening. Appreciate the details

Wow totally impressed how Clear and informative. I’m laid in bed can’t sleep due to my backache. You described what and why I’m feeling and given me the kick I need to have a better lifestyle. I sit at a desk all day and now do very little exercise. I have gained 4 stone over the past 5/6 years and over the past year I’ve suffer with back pain. Thank you thank you thank you.

Thank you. Your video helped me understand. So much better than any doctor. I have had chronic back pain for 10 years plus. I have been a lorry driver for over 30 years. Before that, I did landscape gardening. I am 69 and still driving a lorry. My doctor has told me. I have a slight curvature to my spine. I have been on slow release tramadol and methocarbamol. For over 10 years. I did have a session of acupuncture. Which helped enormously. I still needed the medication. But my movement improved. I wish I could afford another course of acupuncture. Thanks for the video. Keep going please. If it helped me. It will help others.

I had accute back pain for three months and then it went into chronic. This has been ongoing now for 6months. This vide has helped me make sense of what I should be doing to progress. I am in phase two of doing stretches to become more flexible, where as physios have told me to do strength exercises, which then puts me three steps back and causes inflammation.

I have carried too much weight for years and continue to carry 5 gallon backpack sprayers working. Your video gave excellent insight to me and I look forward to your exercise and therapy videos. John, ATL

Was recently diagnosed with MPS and given stretches and ball exercises for lower back pain (left side) that was swollen.Pain and swelling hasn't decreased at all.

The most in-depth video I've seen so far. I've been having lower back pain for almost a year now and couldn't figure out what it causes. Thank You!

Awesome video. Best explanation yet. I am in my 70s. Nine years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4, Prostate Cancer that metastasis to the backbone. Things have been well. But in June I started having severe lower back pain. I attribute it to lifting heavy rock and gravel. My oncology team did some CT Scans, including a nuclear full-body scan. There were no findings of any new cancer. However, in the findings, it was diagnosed that I have a Compression Fracture and suggested an MRI to be safe. The pain can really be difficult at times. I am hoping they can do something to relieve some of the pain.

Brilliant I’ve suffered 30 years this guy certainly born with a gift