Lower back pain is pretty common among Americans, with about 80% of adults suffering from it at some point in their lives. The reason for this is because the lower back (called the lumbar spine) must support the upper body when you run, walk and sit — the compression negatively affects joints, intervertebral discs, ligaments and nerves. Low back pain can range from mild to severe, but usually only lasts from a few days to a few weeks. If you have a lot of pain or acute pain, don’t force your muscles. Just make them relax in these positions, although sometimes a health professional is needed for more serious causes.
