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The back is made up of several different bones, called vertebrae, which are stacked upon each other to form a strong column that supports the upper portion of the body. Bones near neck are called cervical vertebrae, those adjacent to chest are called thoracic vertebrae, those around the lower back are called lumbar vertebrae, and those at the back of pelvic are called sacrum and coccyx.
Most of the weight of the upper body is rests on the lumbar vertebrae, and it is here that most of the lower back pains are localized.
A number of medical and other factors contribute to the occurrence of lower back pain. These include injury to this portion of the spine, which could be either due to excessive strains, compressions, or factors related to the aging process, when bones tend to become weak and brittle. Disease like osteoarthritis (inflammation of the bone) and osteoporosis (reduction in bone mass) can cause severe lower back pains. Certain specific viral infections can also cause lower back pains. Recently, much research has been focused on a condition called cauda equine syndrome, in which vertebrae intrude into the spinal canal and compress highly sensitive spinal nerves and fibers in the lumbar and sacral region. Irritated nerves cause extreme pain in these regions and sometimes irreversible damage to the nerves.
On a physical level, a number of factors can be responsible for lower back pain. Chiefly, these include excessive body weight (which induces strain to the lower back), improper sitting or standing posture, and improper sleeping posture.
Lower back pain can be both acute and chronic. While the acute type lasts for a few days to a few weeks, chronic persists for three months or more. As far as the significance of lower back is concerned, both acute and chronic pains need timely investigation and treatment.