General Overview
Back pain is an ache or discomfort in the back and spinal column. Back pain is very common, affecting most adults at some point in their lives.
- Degenerative disk disease
- Herniated disk
- Low back pain
- Sciatica
- Spondylolysis
Common back problems
InDepth
- What are low back pain and sciatica?
- What are the risk factors?
- What are the symptoms?
- How is it diagnosed?
- How is it treated?
- What are the surgical procedures?
- What are the lifestyle changes I can make?
- How can I reduce my risk?
- What questions should I ask my healthcare provider about low back pain and sciatica?
Find answers in our in-depth report on low back pain and sciatica:
Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures
Living With Back Pain
Managing chronic low back pain
Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor, and the third most common cause of surgery. Read here to find out what you can do if you suffer from chronic low back pain.
Living With Back Pain (Continued)
Chiropractic treatment: what you should know
Read here to find out what you should know about chiropractic treatment.
Preventing Back Pain
Traveling: it can be a real pain in the neck, the head, the back…
Read here to find out which muscle pains are common when traveling, and how you can help prevent and treat travel-associated aches and pains.
Exercise 101: back squat using free weights
Use this exercise to develop strength in your legs, hips, and back
One false twist, and you could be flat on your back. Here's what you can do to prevent—or treat—those painful aches and twinges.
Special Topics
When Emily's backpack weighs more than she does
Each year, children aged 5-14 go to the doctor for backpack-related pain. What is going on? And what can we do about it?