Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, and nearly everyone feels it at some point. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp, limiting pain. Most back pain is not dangerous and improves over time, though it can be frustrating and can affect daily activities, work, and sleep.
Back pain may feel like stiffness, soreness, muscle tightness, or shooting pain that travels into a leg. It often comes from everyday strains, such as lifting the wrong way, poor posture, long hours sitting, or minor muscle and ligament injuries. Age-related changes in the discs and joints of the spine can also play a role. Less often, back pain signals a more serious issue, which is why lasting or severe pain deserves a medical check.
