The 3 Biggest Causes of Lower Back Pain
Written by Dr Graeme Teague
Lower back pain is both a common and debilitating condition. Statistics say that over 80% of the adult population will suffer from back pain at some stage. Medical data states that back pain is only second to the common cold for doctor’s visits.
Lower back pain is now a very common occurrence in your life. So what are the most common causes and can you do something about it?
There are actually 3 common causes of lower back pain. They do not fit the usual stereotypical causes either. It is not injuries; it is not falls, nothing to do with muscle strain or joint sprains. The 3 biggest causes of lower back pain are the activities that allow lower back pain to happen. And they are as follows…
Gravity – yes the pressure from the sky. Gravity affects your muscles and joints. It creates pressure on joints and allows degeneration of the joint to develop. Gravity is constant every day and adults believe they can fight it and win. But you can’t!
Adults spend the entire day sitting or standing. You only lie down when you go to bed. For the average person, that means 8 hours not fighting gravity, and 16 hours fighting it. So gravity wins and allows you to shrink in height with age, for joints to degenerate, muscles to tire. How can you fight it – you can’t eliminate gravity but you can stop its’ effects on you.
Warming Up – why is warming up a common cause of lower back pain? It isn’t. Not warming up is. Sure you may warm up for sport and exercise. But do you warm up for gardening, household chores and other daily tasks at your work place? Most likely not.
Most accidents, injuries, lower back pain etc occur because your body is ill-prepared for the work you are about to do. The shock causes the muscles to tighten, for joints to react and lower back pain occurs. So you need to warm up for all exercise, whether it is sport related or work or home related. Go for a walk, stretch and limber up before you get stuck into the activity.
Stupidity – no stupid people do not cause lower back pain. Your stupid behavior does. Adults are notorious for over doing things. Men especially. We lift too heavier an object, do not take breaks when you should, work too long and too hard. All these activities lead to the common over-use strains and sprains that lead to lower back pain.
Men like to be the macho hero, who can lift the weight of a car. Only to find out tomorrow they can’t lift their own body weight out of bed in the morning. Women are less stupid, but are learning fast to do the same. You spend 8 hours gardening, 3 hours vacuuming, yet you shudder at going to the gym for an hour.
What is the solution? Do not over do it, take regular breaks, warm up for exercises no matter what they are and lie down more often.
Lower back pain is a common event in today’s’ hectic world. All you need to do to eliminate your lower back pain is avoid the bigger causes, learn to correct the muscle and joint imbalances and then you can prevent lower back pain – totally and permanently.
Article author
About the Author
Further reading
Further Reading
Article
What Does a Podiatrist Do on Your First Visit?
A first podiatry appointment is far less clinical than most people expect. It typically starts with a conversation about your medical history and the specific problem you're dealing with, followed by a look at your footwear, how you stand and walk, and a hands-on assessment of the affected area.
September 16, 2026
Article
3 Reasons Parents Turn To Family Dentists For Cosmetic Enhancements
That is often why parents look to a Family And Cosmetic Dentist instead of chasing quick fixes online.
September 14, 2026
Article
4 Cosmetic Dentistry Options That Boost Everyday Confidence
You might be feeling stuck every time you see your reflection. Maybe you cover your mouth when you laugh, avoid close-up photos, or rehearse how much you will smile before a meeting.
September 14, 2026
Article
5 Questions Parents Should Ask A Family Dentist About Preventive Care
This kind of conversation can also help with cost. Preventive visits, sealants, and fluoride are often easier to manage than fillings, crowns, or emergency care later.
September 14, 2026