Complex examination and treatment of back pain with examination and MRI of spine in neurological spine disorders clinic
For individuals with lower back pain when walking, could they have injured a muscle or have an underlying condition affecting the joints, ligaments, or nerves?
Table of Contents
Lower back pain when walking can occur for a variety of reasons. It can result from poor posture, injuries, muscle fatigue, or an underlying condition. Specific injuries, like muscle strains, can affect the ligaments in the spine and cause pain. Muscles that have not been used often can result in fatigue and pain. Specific health conditions, such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, sciatica, or even sacroiliac joint dysfunction, can cause lower back pain. Factors like overexertion or improper gait can exacerbate it.
Muscle strains, ligament sprains, or fatigue can cause lower back pain when walking. Pain can occur after walking or come on gradually from wear and tear without an apparent cause, as follows (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2024)
Sciatica pain occurs when a nerve exiting the spine in the lower back becomes compressed or pinched. It is a common symptom of a herniated disc, in which a disc moves out of place and puts pressure on nearby nerves. In addition to lower back pain, sciatica can cause pain in the hip, the back of the thigh, and down the leg. Sciatica can also cause: (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021)
Healthcare providers often recommend walking as a safe form of physical activity for individuals with sciatica. However, individuals should avoid twisting or bending forward. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021) To decrease pain, avoid walking on uneven surfaces or uphill.
Lordosis describes the normal curve in the spine in the lower back. However, when this curve is exaggerated, it causes hyperlordosis or swayback. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2020) Hyperlordosis affects the range of motion, putting abnormal pressure on the muscles, ligaments, and joints. It also reduces the spine’s ability to absorb shock correctly when walking, leading to pain. (Cedars-Sinai, 2025)
Individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of lower back pain when walking, even if they’ve been diagnosed with a condition that can potentially cause this symptom. Walking can decrease chronic low back pain for some. (Suh J. H. et al., 2019) As with any new exercise program, check with a healthcare provider to ensure that walking for exercise is appropriate for the injury, condition, or disease and is safe. Recommended tips: (Harvard Health Publishing, 2015)
If there is still back pain when walking, it might not be an appropriate exercise for the individual and/or how their condition presents symptoms. Alternate activities can include: (Hospital for Special Surgery, 2023)
See a physical therapist for a personalized exercise program to reduce back pain and appropriate for your condition. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2024). Low back strain and sprain. www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/low-back-strain-and-sprain/
Hospital for Special Surgery. (2024). Degenerative disc disease. www.hss.edu/condition-list_degenerative-disc-disease.asp
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Sciatica. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sciatica
American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons. (2021). Lumbar spinal stenosis. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/lumbar-spinal-stenosis/
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2020). Spine basics. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/spine-basics/
Cedars-Sinai. (2025). Swayback (lordosis). www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/s/swayback-lordosis.html
Suh, J. H., Kim, H., Jung, G. P., Ko, J. Y., & Ryu, J. S. (2019). The effect of lumbar stabilization and walking exercises on chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine, 98(26), e16173. doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000016173
Harvard Health Publishing. (2015). 5 tips for getting started with a walking program. www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/get-started
Hospital for Special Surgery. (2023). Best types of exercise for back pain. www.hss.edu/article_best-exercise-lower-back-pain.asp
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The information herein on "Back Pain When Walking: Effective Treatment Options" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
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