Top Menu

Menu
Menu

Back Pain

Also called: Backache, Lumbago

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

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Start Here

  • Back Pain National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
  • Back Pain Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
  • Back Pain National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
  • Low Back Pain American Academy of Family Physicians
  • Low Back Pain National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
  • What Is Back Pain? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Health Check Tools

Array

Living With

Related Issues

Women

Statistics and Research

Children

Treatments and Therapies

Teenagers

Clinical Trials

Diagnosis and Tests

Encyclopedia

Videos and Tutorials

Find an Expert

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

Prevention and Risk Factors

Journal Articles

Latest News

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Community Health

Your Health Our Mission