Reviewed by Dr Christopher Liu, Pain Physician · Last reviewed 3 November 2026
Lower back pain is very common, and most episodes settle with time and staying active. When it does not, or when it keeps coming back, it helps to know what is behind it. Here is what commonly causes lower back pain in men, which causes are less usual, and when it is worth getting checked. At Alleviate Pain Clinic, a specialised pain centre at Farrer Park Hospital, we assess back pain in Singapore with a focus on finding the cause and offering non-surgical options where possible.
What usually causes lower back pain in men?
The common causes are largely the same in men and women. In most people the pain comes from the structures of the lower spine rather than a single dramatic injury.
- Muscle and ligament strain. This is the most frequent cause. It can follow heavy lifting, a gym session, sport or an awkward movement, and often builds up after long periods of sitting.
- Disc problems. A disc can bulge or tear and irritate nearby nerves. See our page on slipped disc (disc herniation).
- Wear and tear of the facet joints. These small joints at the back of the spine can become stiff and painful with age. See our page on facet joint pain.
- Nerve irritation (sciatica). Pain that travels from the back into the buttock or leg. See our page on sciatica.
- Everyday factors. Long hours of sitting, low activity, extra body weight and smoking can all make back pain more likely or slower to settle.
Less common causes of back pain
Not every back pain comes from the muscles, discs or joints of the spine. If the usual causes do not explain your symptoms, we look more widely for other sources.
- Inflammatory back conditions. Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis usually start in younger adults. The stiffness tends to be worst in the morning or after rest and eases with movement.
- Kidney problems. Kidney stones or infection can cause pain in the back or side, often with urinary symptoms. Kidney stones are more common in men.
- Prostate conditions. These can occasionally cause lower back or pelvic discomfort, usually alongside urinary symptoms.
When should you get lower back pain checked?
See a doctor if:
- The pain has lasted longer than two weeks or keeps coming back
- It wakes you at night or is not eased by rest
- You have numbness, tingling or weakness in a leg
- It comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or urinary symptoms
- It started after a fall or injury
Seek urgent medical care if you lose control of your bladder or bowels, have numbness between your legs, have leg weakness that is getting worse quickly, or have sudden severe pain in your back or abdomen.
How we find out what is going on
We start by listening to your story and examining you. Scans, nerve tests or blood tests are used when they will help guide treatment, not as a routine. We explain each step, so you know why it is being done.
What can help?
The right plan depends on the cause, your scans and how long the pain has lasted. Staying active, guided exercise and medicines are the usual starting points. For some people, image-guided injections or other minimally invasive procedures can help once the source of pain is clear. Our back pain page explains the options in more detail, and Dr Liu will go through what suits you at your consultation.
Why choose Alleviate Pain Clinic for back pain
- A specialised pain centre focused on non-surgical treatment
- Image-guided injections and minimally invasive procedures
- A multidisciplinary approach to back and leg pain
- Our staff help you with insurance pre-authorisation
- Conveniently located at Farrer Park Hospital
Talk to us
If back pain is getting in the way of work, sport or sleep, book a consultation at Alleviate Pain Clinic, Farrer Park Hospital. Call us on 8655 5722 or WhatsApp us and our team will help you arrange a visit.
FAQs
What is the most common cause of lower back pain in men?
Most often it is a strain of the muscles or ligaments of the lower back, sometimes after lifting, sport or a long day sitting. Disc problems and wear and tear in the joints of the spine are also common. A scan is not always needed to tell which one applies.
Is lower back pain in men different from lower back pain in women?
The most common causes are largely the same in both. Some conditions that can cause back pain, such as prostate problems, affect only men, and kidney stones are more common in men, so we consider them when the pattern does not fit a problem in the spine.
Should I rest if I have lower back pain?
Prolonged bed rest is not recommended. Staying as active as comfort allows, with gentle walking and normal daily activities, is generally better for recovery. If the pain is severe or not settling, see a doctor.
When is lower back pain serious?
See a doctor if pain lasts longer than two weeks, keeps coming back, wakes you at night, or comes with leg numbness or weakness, fever or unexplained weight loss. Seek urgent care for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness between the legs, leg weakness that is getting worse quickly, or sudden severe pain in the back or abdomen.
Can kidney or prostate problems cause lower back pain?
Sometimes. Kidney stones or infection can cause pain in the back or side, often with urinary symptoms, and prostate conditions can occasionally cause lower back or pelvic discomfort. If you have urinary symptoms or a fever with back pain, get checked promptly.
Does insurance cover interventional pain treatments in Singapore?
Interventional pain procedures are covered by the Ministry of Health’s Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). They are therefore reimbursable by all Integrated Shield Plans and most corporate insurance plans. However, it is advisable to obtain preauthorisation from your insurer before the procedure. Our clinic staff will guide you through this process.
References
- Hartvigsen J, Hancock MJ, Kongsted A, et al. What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. The Lancet. 2018;391(10137):2356-2367. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30480-X
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. NICE guideline NG59. 2016 (updated 2020).
