Guide to Low Back Pain

Whether it's a dull, nagging ache or sharp, shooting pain, low back pain is a condition that plagues millions of Americans. The type and severity varies from person to person, but there is a one common factor: low back pain is a condition that affects every part of a person’s life. For many, everyday activities such as sleeping, sitting, getting in and out of the car or walking can suddenly become unbearable.

This article provides a complete overview of what you need to know about low back pain, including:

• Symptoms
• Common low back conditions
• Diagnosis
• Non-surgical treatment options
• Pain medication
• Surgery

Low back pain is typically classified as either acute or chronic:

• Acute pain is short term and lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Acute pain typically improves without medical intervention; however, there are occasionally situations where untreated acute pain can become more serious.
• Chronic pain is the term usually used to describe pain that lasts for more than three months. Chronic pain may gradually worsen, or it may be present at a low level and then flare up more severely once in awhile.

It is important to note that the circumstances of a low back condition may be different for each patient, and that the same treatments will not work for everyone. Consult with your doctor to determine the best way to obtain relief from your specific condition, and know that you may have to try more than one treatment – or combination of treatments – before you find what works best for you.

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The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for medical advice in any way.  A licensed medical professional should be consulted for any and all medical conditions and symptoms.