After meeting with medical specialists Murray has decided to skip the second Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros to ensure he is fully fit for Wimbledon.
"It's a really tough decision and I love playing in Paris, but after seeking medical advice, I am not fit to compete," the US Open and Olympic champion explained in a statement to Britain's Press Association.
"After consultation with his team and medical specialists, Andy has reluctantly withdrawn from the French Open and will instead focus on preparation for the grass court season," the statement added.
"I'd be very surprised if I was playing in Paris," a subdued Murray said then.
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This will be the first Grand Slam he has missed since Wimbledon in 2007.
The injury was the same one which required him to take a pain-killing injection in order to play Roland Garros last year where he reached the quarter-finals.
Murray will now aim to return for the start of the grasscourt season at Queens Club on June 10.
"I don't want to go into details, but I've got a disc problem, it changes week to week. It's been an issue for a while, but I want to make sure it goes away.
"I don't want to be playing with it long-term, it's not enjoyable at all."
The French Open begins on Sunday.