A person with a chronic back strain or sprain has recurrent back pain caused by back strain or back sprain. Back strain describes a torn or stretched muscle in the back, while a back sprain describes a torn or stretched ligament in the back. Sprains occur when the back moves beyond the normal range of motion.

About 80 percent of people experience low back pain at some time. Back strains and sprains are two of the most common occupational injuries.