The most common cause of back pain is through a sudden or abrupt movement, like a car accident, fall, or faulty lifting mechanics. The other most common way that low back pain worsens for athletes is with repetitive movements like bending and twisting with poor mechanics. It is also possible for back pain to develop from certain underlying conditions, such as scoliosis, herniated disc or degenerative disc disease.

Sciatica or back pain that radiates down the leg typically occurs between the ages of 30-50, and it can develop for a number of reasons. Sciatica can occur due to several reasons, the most common being muscular imbalances, improper positioning, and movement compensations related to mobility restrictions elsewhere in the body. Anatomically, the sciatic nerve lays just underneath, or in some cases travels through, the piriformis muscle, a small muscle in the hip. When the piriformis muscle is overused due to a weakness in other hip muscles (ie. glutes) the sciatic muscle will become irritated and elicit symptoms down the leg.

Other injuries can also lead to radiating pain, such as herniated discs, harsh falls, sports-related collisions, or anything that occurs gradually over time through overuse, repetition, or general “wear and tear.”