The discomfort might be in the center or on one side of the low back, and it could spread to the buttocks or the back of the thigh. In addition to low back discomfort, athletes may feel muscular spasms or stiffness in their lower back. These symptoms are usually more severe when they arise at night while lying down. Hypertension can lead to back pain through several different mechanisms. First, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, which can lead to poor circulation in the legs. This in turn can cause pain in the legs and feet, especially during exercise. Back pain is also possible if there is constriction of the arteries leading to the legs. This can occur as a response to raise blood pressure in an effort to ensure that enough blood reaches these organs. Finally, back pain can be caused by excessive stress on the muscles and bones of the low back. This is particularly true for athletes who participate in sports that require heavy use of these muscles, such as baseball, football, and basketball. Stress on the low back can occur when there is a sudden movement of the body, such as when jumping or tackling players who have moved past you. It can also come from repeated movements like those involved in kicking a ball or swinging a bat. Back pain due to hypertension can be treated using anti-hypertensive medications, physical therapy, or surgery.