While we definitely recommend consulting a chiropractor for an accurate diagnosis, muscle-related lower back pain is often associated with muscle spasms or aching and is usually a localized pain that does not travel up or down the body nor into the limbs. Misalignments and inflammation in or near the spinal joints may be what is irritating the nerves that control the back muscles. Disc-related pain may radiate and travel down the leg or up the back, accompanied by numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. It’s important to examine either type of back pain as soon as possible.