Question 1

Can knee pain be related to the back?

Accepted Answer

As the children’s teaching song goes, the knee bone connects to the thigh bone, which connects to the hip bone, which connects to the back bone. The song is a catchy way to explain the very real concept that our body parts are interdependent and work together. That means pain in one area can be related to what’s happening in seemingly distant parts. One 2019 study of almost 5,000 adults over age 50 found that those who experienced low back pain were 1.6 times more likely to develop new knee pain within five years.

Why? One theory says that people who have back pain adjust their movements so that other weight-bearing joints like the knee carry more load in their daily activities, creating a domino effect of strain. Another well-known connection between knee and back pain is the sciatic nerve, which originates in the lower spine and travels down the back of the leg. If you have sciatica, pain from irritated nerves in the lower back can travel down to the knee or beyond.

Question 2

How do I know if my knee pain is serious?

Accepted Answer

Most cases of knee pain stem from overuse or repetitive-use injuries like muscle strains or tendinitis that heal with at-home treatment. But there’s more reason to be concerned if you have signs of structural injuries. If you feel a locking or popping sensation in the knee, or burning or tingling pain that travels to other areas, or if you can’t fully bend your knee, see a healthcare provider. If your pain continues to get worse with normal activity, you could have a condition like osteoarthritis, which benefits from holistic treatment like regular physical activity and other lifestyle changes.

Get evaluated if your knee pain began after any kind of trauma or impact, like a fall or an intense sports game. If your pain is severe or your leg feels unstable at times, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Pain in the back of the knee: causes and treatments

Learn what can cause pain behind the knee, plus effective ways to prevent and treat back of knee pain, including at-home exercises.

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Knee strengthening exercises

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