Pain in the lower back after exercise is the symptom of several disorders, the most common of which are kidney disease, muscle damage, nerve compression and tumors. Despite having varying causes the symptoms of these conditions can be quite similar. Consult your doctor if pain after exercise persists or worsens.
Muscle Tear
Muscle tears in your lower back usually present themselves with pain, swelling and weakness of the lower back muscles. The severity of these symptoms varies with the severity of the injury. These injuries are diagnosed after a physician performs a thorough examination, usually augmented with an MRI scan. Small tears can be treated with painkilling medication; large tears require surgical intervention.
Nerve
Pinched nerves of your lower back are also another ailment that can cause lower back pain after exercise. The pinching of these nerves can be caused by an awkward movement, displacement of a spinal disk or by blunt-force trauma. This condition presents itself with pain, muscle weakness and swelling; these symptoms can be exasperated by physical activity. A doctor will diagnose a pinched nerve by conducting a physical examination and an MRI. Pinched nerves can be treated using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or surgery, depending on how severe the condition is.
Kidney
Kidney diseases, such as kidney stones and inflammation, can be causes of lower back pain following a workout. These conditions usually have lower back pain, pain in the kidney region during sudden movement, blood in the urine, fever and many other symptoms. They are diagnosed through blood tests, urine tests, ultrasounds and X-rays. These conditions can be treated using medication as well as surgery.
Tumors
A tumor growing in your lower back can also be a cause of swelling, throbbing and pain in your lower back after an exercise session. A growing tumor can put pressure on all of the structures in your lower back, including your kidneys, nerves, intestines, muscles and spine. Exercise can increase the compression due to increased blood flow. A tumor in the area of your lower back will be diagnosed using MRI, X-ray, ultrasound exam or a CT scan. Treatment of a tumor could include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
References
- "Exercise and Health"; Prof. T. A. Asmangulyan; 1997
- MayoClinic.com; Kidney Pain; May 20, 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (16th edition)"; Lawrence Madoff, et al.; 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Kidney Stones; Jan. 30, 2010
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