Scientific studies assert up to 84 percent of adults experience low back pain (LBP) at some point in their lives. In the majority of cases, the pain is nonspecific, meaning there is no serious underlying condition causing it.
While low back pain is generally not a severe medical issue, it can be frustrating when it interferes with daily activities and overall quality of life. Several factors increase the risk of developing low back pain, including smoking, obesity, older age, female gender, physically demanding or sedentary work, job-related stress, job dissatisfaction, and mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
The experience of low back pain varies among individuals and may be associated with other symptoms and signs depending on the underlying cause. Acute low back pain, unless caused by a serious medical condition (which is rare), tends to resolve rapidly, even if imaging studies show a bulging or herniated disc.
However, dealing with low back pain can be challenging, and waiting for it to improve can be frustrating. Here are some simple steps people can take to help alleviate pain: