Back Pain
According to the Patient Education Institute Inc. and National Library of Medicine, back pain is “one of the most common medical problems in the U.S.” The back and spine are complex structures, and when everyday issues like poor posture and physical inflexibility can lead to pain, it’s not surprising that the condition is as widespread as it is. This guide helps you understand the causes of back pain, find relief and prevent the pain from coming back.
Expand All Guide SectionsCauses of Back Pain
Back pain is not a disorder, it’s a symptom that has many causes, among which are natural degeneration due to aging, intra-abdominal disorders, and injuries sustained to the spine or to the back’s musculature. In this section, learn about the anatomy of the back and spine and the different conditions that can cause pain.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Back pain is often characterized by the region of the back that hurts: the upper, middle, or lower back. The lower back, where the spine is most flexible, is the place where people have the most problems. Back pain that doesn’t have a known cause is called “nonspecific back pain.” Relatively few Web sites address middle or upper back pain in any detail, but we’ve included one in the picks below.
- Acute low back pain is defined as lasting less than a month. Chronic back pain is continuous for more than three months. It’s more common to suffer repeatedly from acute back pain.
- Although back pain is often the result of aching muscles or pinched nerves, it could be a symptom of a more serious problem. Certain conditions, such as cancer, can cause back pain and other problems, such as incontinence, numbness, or weakness in the legs. The sites below include signs for when you should call the doctor.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of back pain …
The Patient Education Institute Inc.
and National Library of Medicine have an interactive tutorial on back pain that includes an anatomy lesson, descriptions of the different types of back problems, and diagrams of how to sit, stand, and lift heavy objects. A PDF version of the tutorial is also available. Not only is this a reputable source for health care information, but the tutorial and PDF are informative without too much medical jargon.
The National Pain Foundation
has a more in-depth description of some common back problems, such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, and disc problems. The detailed descriptions also mention treatment options.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
is part of the National Institutes of Health. Find some of the causes of low back pain, who is likely to develop low back pain, and the disorders associated with low back pain.
For upper back pain …
Spine-health.com
is a site run by a group of doctors, and it has a page that describes the anatomy of the upper back. Learn what can cause upper back pain and read about treatment options. This article was written in 2002, but it is still relevant.
For back pain during pregnancy …
The American Pregnancy Association
explains the different reasons for back pain, something that more than half of all pregnant women experience, along with treatment and prevention tips. Remember to ask your doctor before taking any medications.
For back pain in children …
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
has an overview of back pain in children that describes diagnosis, some of the possible disorders, and treatments.
To learn when to see a doctor …
The North American Spine Society
has a list of questions that help indicate whether you should see a doctor who specializes in spinal care, such as an orthopedist or a neurologist. Questions include “Have you had significant back pain lasting more than three weeks?” and “Do you get numbness or weakness in your legs while walking?” The society is a nonprofit organization with more than 4,000 members from a variety of specialties that deal with the spine.
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Preventing Back Pain
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Support for Back Pain
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Back Pain News and Research
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