Low back pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localized to the lower back.
Also called: Lower back pain, Lumbago.
Conditions associated with low back pain
The following conditions have been associated with low back pain in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Alveolar echinococcosis
Alveolar echinococcosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing back pain and stif...
Autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia type 9A
Autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia type 9A is a medical condition that may be associated with various sympt...
Familial Mediterranean fever
Familial Mediterranean fever is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Herniated Disc
A disc in the spine that bulges or ruptures, pressing on nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness....
IgG4-related pachymeningitis
IgG4-related pachymeningitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis
IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and ...
Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a medical condition that may be associated with various...
Immunodeficiency 126
Immunodeficiency 126 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Osteoporosis
A condition of weakened bones that increases the risk of fractures, often without symptoms until a fracture oc...
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Renal nutcracker syndrome
Renal nutcracker syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Sciatica
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back down the leg, often due to a herniated disc....
Solitary fibrous tumor
Solitary fibrous tumor is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spaces within the spine that can compress nerves, causing back pain, numbness, and weakness i...
Spinal fast-flow vascular malformation
Spinal fast-flow vascular malformation is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and...
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Tests providers may use to investigate low back pain
When investigating low back pain, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Calcium
Measures calcium levels to evaluate bone, kidney, and parathyroid health....
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Esr Test
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) blood test, also called a sedimentation rate or sed rate, is used to ...
Parathyroid Hormone Pth Test
This blood test is used to measure levels of PTH to help diagnosis parathyroid disease and other diseases that...
Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Measures inflammation by timing how fast red blood cells settle....
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Vitamin D 25-Dihydroxy Calcitriol Test
This blood test is used to determine Vitamin D 25-dihydroxy (calcitriol) deficiencies. It is used in the diagn...
Vitamin D Blood Test
This blood test measures the Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy (Calcidiol) levels. Vitamin D is absorbed through sunlight, ...
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy
Measures vitamin D levels to detect deficiency or insufficiency....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside low back pain
Balance Problems
Difficulty with balance or coordination, which can be related to inner ear, neurological, or musculoskeletal c...
Buttock Pain
Pain in the buttocks, which can be referred from the spine, hip, or sacroiliac joints....
Leg Pain
Pain in the legs, which can be caused by muscle, bone, nerve, or circulation problems....
Morning Stiffness
Joint or body stiffness that is worst in the morning and improves with movement, which can be a sign of inflam...
Radiating Pain
Pain that spreads from one area to another, often along a nerve path....
Tendon Insertion Pain
Inflammation and pain where tendons attach to bone, which can be a feature of spondyloarthritis....
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if low back pain is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom low back pain mean?
Low back pain is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localized to the lower back.
Which conditions are associated with low back pain?
Low back pain has been reported in association with 17 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Alveolar echinococcosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia type 9A, Familial Mediterranean fever, Herniated Disc. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about low back pain?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.