Category FAQs Search : Lower Back Pain
Question: What are the risk factors for low back pain?
Answer: Some people are more likely to have lower back pain than others. Risk factors for lower back pain include:
1. Age: People over 30 are more likely to experience back pain. Vertebral disks wear away with age. As the disks weaken and wear down, pain and stiffness can result.
2. Weight: People who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 (have overweight or obesity) are more likely to have back pain. Excess weight puts pressure on joints and disks. 3. Increasing weight in pregnancy can also put pressure on your lower back.
4. Poor core strength: Weakened abdominal muscles can’t properly support your spine, which can lead to back strains and sprains.
5. Overall health: People who smoke, drink excess alcohol and/or get limited physical activity have a higher risk of back pain.
6. Occupation and hobbies: Jobs and activities that require heavy lifting or frequent bending can increase your risk of a back injury. Lower back pain is also very common in athletes.
7. Mental health conditions: Studies show there’s a connection between depression and back pain. But it’s difficult to tell for sure if depression can cause back pain.
(Source: Cleveland Clinic, 31 Jan 2026)
Source Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain