Back Pain (original) (raw)

Also called: Backache, Lumbago

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Summary

If you've ever groaned, "Oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.

Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help. However, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make it worse.

If your back pain is severe or doesn't improve after three days, you should call your health care provider. You should also get medical attention if you have back pain following an injury.

Treatment for back pain depends on what kind of pain you have, and what is causing it. It may include hot or cold packs, exercise, medicines, injections, complementary treatments, and sometimes surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Start Here

• Back Pain (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish

• Back Pain (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) Also in Spanish

• Low Back Pain (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish

• Discography (Discogram) (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish

• Lower Back Pain Symptom Checker Flowchart (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish

• Myelography (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish

• Radiographic Assessment for Back Pain (North American Spine Society)

• Office Ergonomics (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

• Maintaining Good Posture (American Chiropractic Association)

• That Pain in Your Back Could Be Linked to Your Feet (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons)

• Prevention: Exercise (North American Spine Society)

• Retraining the Brain to Treat Chronic Back Pain (National Institutes of Health) Also in Spanish

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Low Back Pain (National Institutes of Health)

• Back Pain during Pregnancy (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)

• Back Pain during Pregnancy: 7 Tips for Relief (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish