Back pain is incredibly common, affecting up to 80% of adults at some point in their lives. Most of the time, it’s caused by things like overuse, poor posture, or injuries. But sometimes, back pain is a sign of an underlying disease.
From inflammatory conditions to kidney problems, there are several medical reasons your back might be hurting. If your pain is persistent, worsens over time, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be more than muscular.
In this guide, we’ll discuss 10 diseases that can cause back pain, the warning signs to watch for, and how to know when to seek medical help.
When Back Pain Signals a Bigger Health Issue
So, how can you tell if your back pain might be disease-related? Here are some red flags:
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Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or worsens over time
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Night pain that disrupts your sleep
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Radiating pain into the legs, chest, or abdomen
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Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or fever
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Numbness, tingling, or weakness
If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis can help you avoid complications and may lead to faster, more effective treatment.
10 Diseases That Commonly Cause Back Pain
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic back pain, especially in older adults. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the joints wears down, causing stiffness, inflammation, and pain.
In the spine, this can lead to a condition called facet joint osteoarthritis, which can limit movement and cause persistent lower back pain.
Related read: Is My Back Pain Serious?
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints. When it affects the spine, it leads to inflammation, swelling, and pain, especially in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) areas.
Symptoms often include morning stiffness and joint pain in other areas as well.
3. Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It usually begins in early adulthood and is more common in men.
Key symptom: Back pain that improves with activity but worsens with rest, especially in the morning.
4. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This condition often leads to:
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Pain when standing or walking
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Numbness or weakness in the legs
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Pain relief when bending forward or sitting
5. Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear, irritating nearby nerves.
This can cause:
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Lower back pain
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Sciatica—shooting pain down one leg
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Numbness or tingling
Learn more: What Is Sciatica and How Is It Treated?
6. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle. It’s especially common in postmenopausal women. In the spine, this increases the risk of compression fractures, which can result in sudden and severe back pain.
Early detection is key, as osteoporosis often progresses without obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Read more: Can Osteoporosis Cause Back Pain?
7. Kidney Stones or Infections
Your kidneys sit just under your ribcage toward the back of your abdomen. So if you’re dealing with:
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Sharp lower back or side pain
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Fever, chills, or nausea
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Painful or frequent urination
…the issue could be with your kidneys.
Kidney infections or kidney stones often cause referred pain in the lower back or flank area.
Explore: Can Kidney Stones Cause Back Pain?
8. Endometriosis
This condition affects people with uteruses and occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. It can cause pain in:
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The lower back
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Pelvic area
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Abdomen (especially during menstruation)
If your back pain cycles with your period, talk to a gynecologist about possible endometriosis.
9. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that causes widespread aches, including in the back. It’s also associated with:
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Fatigue
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Brain fog
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Sleep issues
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Tender points across the body
It’s often diagnosed when other causes of pain are ruled out.
10. Spinal Tumors or Cancer
While rare, tumors in or near the spine can cause persistent back pain that worsens at night or doesn’t respond to typical treatment. Cancers that commonly spread to the spine include breast, lung, and prostate cancer.
Don’t ignore pain that persists despite rest or treatment. See a doctor for evaluation and imaging if symptoms raise concern.
Related topic: When Is Back Pain a Sign of Something Serious?
How These Conditions Are Diagnosed
Your doctor may recommend:
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X-rays or MRI scans
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Blood tests to check for inflammation or infection
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Bone scans or CT imaging
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Urinalysis (for kidney-related concerns)
Treatment varies by condition, and may include medications, physical therapy, injections, lifestyle changes—or in rare cases, surgery.
When Home Support Can Help
Living with a chronic disease that causes back pain often affects daily life, especially for older adults. In-home care can offer:
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Help with mobility and fall prevention
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Medication reminders and therapy support
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Assistance with bathing, dressing, and light housekeeping
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Companionship and stress reduction
Explore more: Home Care for Chronic Conditions
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
While back pain is often harmless, persistent or unusual symptoms can be signs of a deeper medical issue. If your pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens at night, or comes with other health changes, see a doctor.
Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to long-term relief.
