Low back pain (LBP) is often described as sudden, sharp,
persistent, or dull pain felt below the waist. LBP is very
common and affects the majority of people at some point during
their life. Low back pain is most commonly caused by muscle
strain associated with heavy physical work, lifting or forceful
movement, bending or twisting, awkward positions, or standing in
one position too long. Any of these movements can exacerbate a
prior or existing back disorder. Other conditions that can cause
low back pain include spinal stenosis, arthritis
(osteoarthritis), spinal infection (osteomyelitis), spinal
tumors (benign and malignant), spondylolisthesis, and vertebral
fractures (e.g. burst fracture). Low back pain is either acute
or chronic. Acute LBP may begin suddenly with intense pain
usually lasting less than 3 months. Chronic pain is persistent
long-term pain, sometimes lasting throughout life. Even chronic
pain may present episodes of acute pain. Other symptoms include
localized pain in a specific area of the lo