Back Pain
Back Pain Overview
Back pain is an all-too-familiar problem that can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated. It can come on suddenly—from an accident, a fall, or lifting something heavy—or it can develop slowly, perhaps as the result of age-related changes to the spine. Regardless of how back pain... »
Back Pain Treatments
Treatment for back pain generally depends on what kind of pain you experience: acute or chronic. Acute Back Pain Acute back pain usually gets better on its own and without treatment, although you may want to try acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen to help ease the pain. Perhaps the best advice is to go about... »
Back Pain Research
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) supports research to better understand and treat back pain. One major focus of research in recent years has been on the relative efficacy and cost effectiveness of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of conditions associated with low back and leg pain. A 5-year multicenter... »