Lower back pain when walking can occur for a variety of reasons.
It can result from injuries, fatigue, or an underlying condition.
Specific injuries, like muscle strains, can affect the ligaments in your spine and cause back pain.
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Similarly, using muscles you do not use often can result in fatigue and pain.
Finally, specific health conditions, such as degenerative disc disease, can cause lower back pain.
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1.
Between each vertebra is a disc that provides cushioning between the bones.
Sometimes, healthcare providers recommend walking as a low-impact activity for people with degenerative disc disease.
Sciatica
Sciaticapain shows up when a nerve exiting the spine in the lower back is pinched.
However, you should avoid twisting or bending forward.To decrease pain, avoid walking on uneven surfaces or uphill.
It causes the space surrounding the spinal cordthat travels from the back to the legsto narrow.
Lumbar spinal stenosis typically causes pain when standing uprightincluding walking.
However, when this curve is exaggerated, it causes a condition calledhyperlordosisalso referred to as “swayback.”
Walking can decrease chronic low back pain for some people.
Alternate activities can include:
Consult a physical therapist for an individualized exercise program appropriate for your specific condition.
Summary
Lower back pain is common and has a variety of causes.
Common conditions that can cause back pain with walking include degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
See a physical therapist for personalized exercise recommendations to reduce back pain.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Low back strain and sprain.
Hospital for Special Surgery.Degenerative disc disease.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Sciatica.
American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons.Lumbar spinal stenosis.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Spine basics.
Cedars-Sinai.Swayback (lordosis).
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doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016173
Harvard Health Publishing.5 tips for getting started with a walking program.
Hospital for Special Surgery.Best types of exercise for back pain.
