Lower back pain striking a mortal blow in your noble quest to clock in those miles? Don't hang up your sneakers just yet - back pain while ambulating can result from a variety of not-so-mysterious, and often manageable, reasons, including injuries, muscle fatigue, or underlying health conditions.

Ever been blindsided by back pain post-workout, even though you didn't sideline yourself with a victory dance gone awry? Even minor muscle strains or sprains can wage war on your spine, resulting in pain that screams louder than an overzealous gym newbie. Other times, it's just your body being a drama queen because you dared to make it move in ways it's not used to.

Remember those cushiony things between your vertebrae - those little discs providing VIP seating for your bones? They're not immune to the ravages of time, and their degradation, cheekily named "degenerative disc disease," is a common hard-hitter in the rogue's gallery of back pain causes. As they wear down, the burden falls on the surrounding muscles, joints, and nerves. Ouch.

If you're sporting degenerated discs of the not-so-pleasant variety and your doctor has green-lighted you to walk, don't be surprised if the supposed haven of low-impact activity turns into a stage for some twinges. Hard surfaces can be as unkind as bad reviews, particularly, if your condition plays for the more severe team.

Then, let’s say hello to our not-so-friendly neighborhood nerve pincher, Sciatica - the common side-effect of a herniated disc that went rogue. Beyond the good old lower back pain, sciatica also loves to invite itself down your leg, stretching its unwelcome presence through your hip and the back of your thigh. Don’t get it wrong, walking is an approved buddy for sciatica patients. But like that friend who hates pineapple on pizza, this relationship comes with its own do's and don'ts. Avoid walking on uneven surfaces or uphill lest your pain decides to up the ante.

Speaking of pain when standing upright, another frequent flyer in back pain land is lumbar spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space around your spinal cord typically because of wear and tear. Posture-changing tricks like leaning forward can sometimes help ease the pain.

In the world of backs, 'Swayback' or hyperlordosis doesn't refer to a dance style but rather an exaggerated curve in your lower spine. This disrupter can add extra pressure on your back's support system, making your walk feel like a trek through treacherous terrains.

But hey, not all is lost in a sea of back-aches. Even if you've been slammed with a diagnosis that lobs back pain into your court, walking can sometimes swing the match back into your favor. An approved exercise regimen, caring for your back (hint: proper footwear and even terrains are key players), and personalized tips from a physical therapist can smooth out those rough patches in your path.

Ultimately, every back is a unique entity with its own quirks and pain thresholds. Whether it's a muscle's cry for help, the underhanded games of a degenerative disc disease, or the unwelcome presence of sciatica, it's essential to recognize the signs and adapt your walking routine accordingly.