An exact diagnosis may be difficult to assess since muscular strain, ligamentous sprain and mild disc herniation may all present with similar symptoms. Symptoms will include muscular tenderness and weakness. Many factors can cause these symptoms but muscular or ligamentous injury are the usual culprits.

Treatment
Regardless of the cause, initial treatment will be the same. A brief period of rest (usually 24-48 hours)and anti-inflammatory medication will be beneficial for the patient. This treatment can then be followed with a gradual return to weight-bearing activities.

Many physicians will order a course of physical therapy for the patient which may include spinal stabilization. Spinal stabilization is a regimented program of exercise designed to strengthen and stabilize the muscles and ligamentous structures of the spine. The program also stresses proper body biomechanics which includes how to properly perform activities of daily living. This would include increasing the flexibility of the spine to better perform activities from tooth brushing to gas pumping to vacuuming. These classes and/or a course of physical therapy are ordered for the patient in an effort to reduce recurrence of injury.

Lifestyle changes may be employed as well to decrease predisposition to chronic low back pain. Smoking, which decreases overall circulation in the body should be eliminated. Obesity, poor body mechanics and wearing high heeled shoes are also indicators for low back pain. Whenever the body's center of gravity is shifted forward, an added strain is placed upon the discs.