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.

Common back problems

• Degenerative disk disease
• Herniated disk
• Low back pain
• Sciatica
• Spondylolysis

InDepth

Find answers in our in-depth report on low back pain and sciatica:

• 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?

Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures

• CT scan
• Diskography
• MRI
• Myelography
• X-ray
• Electromyography
• Laminectomy
• Spinal fusion

Living With Back Pain

In her own words: living with sciatica

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.

Making sense of sciatica

Sciatica can cause pain anywhere from the lower back, hips, or buttocks, all the way down the length of the legs and into the feet and toes. Read here to find out what causes sciatica and how you can find relief.

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.

Excercise 101: back squat using free weights

Use this exercise to develop strength in your legs, hips, and back

A healthy back: protecting your 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?

Related Conditions

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Scoliosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis

Natural and Alternative Treatments (By Condition)

• Back pain