So there are many sources of low back pain but one of the biggest problems with having low back pain is that people think that there is the same solution for just about everyone.
Can you imagine if you took your car into the mechanic and he said that you needed a muffler on your car and then he told every single person with every make and model of every car that they need a muffler to fix their car. That of course would be crazy.
The problem is that the spine is complex and there are many causes of spinal pain. Here are some of the causes of lumbar spine pain:
1) Lumbar disk tear- The spine is comprised of bony segments called vertebrae, a disk that is like a gel filled cushion, ligaments and muscles. When the outer fibers of the “annulus” of the disk are torn that occur through quick unexpected movements of the spine, pain can occur. This pain is often felt as “sharp” and immobility of the body soon follows. Some people have this feeling and rerport that they have “slipped a disk” but often this is not the case.
2) Lumbar disk bulge- When there is disruption to the internal compartments of the disk, a disk may protrude and lay on a nerve that is close to the spine. Often people have the feeling of “pins and needles” or “numbness” in their lower extremities. This can be inconsistent or consistent in nature.
3) Muscle strain- There’re hundreds of muscles that attach to the spine and injury to these muscles can cause a “tightening” of the spine. Many of these muscles cannot be felt and lie deep to the surface.
4) Lumbar degenerative disorders- Sometimes the bones of the spine become worn and the surfaces of the cartilage that protects the bony ends from rubbing on one another becomes degraded. When the bony ends press on one another they create inflammation, pain and more degradation.
5) Ligamentous tear- Ligaments are connective tissue that attach bone to bone. Sometimes ligaments will become torn through trauma and/or degeneration and will create pain in the spine.
The good news is that most conditions of the spine can be treated without the need for medication and surgery especially at the first hint of pain that is experienced by an individual. Lumbar spine pain often resolves without the need for intervention only to return a short time later if the cause is not addressed appropriately.
back pain without the need for medication or surgery 
