Lower back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder affecting 80% of people at some point in their lives. In the United States, it is the most common cause of job-related disability, a leading contributor to missed work, and the second most common neurological ailment - only headache is more common. It can be acute, sub-acute or chronic in how long it can affect you. In general, pain lasting less than six weeks is classified as acute, pain lasting six to 12 weeks is sub-acute, and more than 12 weeks is chronic.

The majority of lower back pain is referred to as non-specific low back pain and does not have a definitive cause. It is believed to stem from benign musculoskeletal problems such as muscle or soft tissues sprain or strains. This is particularly true when the pain arose suddenly during physical loading of the back, with the pain lateral to the spine. Over 99% of back pain instances fall within this category. The full differential diagnosis includes many other less common conditions.