A back muscle strain or ligament strain is one of the most common causes of acute lower back pain. Lifting a heavy object, twisting, or a sudden movement can cause muscles or ligaments stretch or develop microscopic tears. While lower back pain is extremely common, the symptoms and severity of lower back pain vary greatly. Dr. Azadeh Farin is here today to discuss back pain, the main causes of back pain, when you should see a doctor and the most common types of surgeries performed for back pain.