Find expert answers to your health questions

Back Pain

    Back Pain 101

    Whether it's a dull muscle ache in the lower back or a severe sharp pain brought on when you try to bend over, back pain is a very common ailment. Most often back pain results from strained muscles and ligaments that surround the spine, but it can also be caused by structural problems or an injury. Fortunately, there are treatment options for back pain (even nonsurgical ones), and understanding the causes and symptoms is key to preventing it in the first place.

    Take our back pain quiz

    Causes and Cures for Back Pain

    Back pain can be caused by a number of problems, from osteoarthritis to muscle strain to a slipped disc. The pain can feel sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, or like it's radiating down your legs. Before seeking treatment, pay attention to your symptoms so you can clearly describe them to the doctor. 

    Learn about different types of back pain

    Back Pain Treatment Guide

    Applying hot and cold compresses can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with low-back pain and make it easier to move and change position. 

    Watch the video to learn more

    Weather-Proofing Back Pain

    Dr. Oz reveals how barometric pressure makes back pain worse.

    Watch the video

    Coping with Back Pain

    Get Healthy-Living Support!

    Get information, support and answers on the pain topics that matter most to you. 

    Visit DailyStrength

    Find Online Inspiration

    Walk THIS Way to Ease
    Back Pain

    Learn how

    Stretch This Way

    Try these exercises and
    your back will thank you
         		15 to 20%
    The percentage of Americans who develop
    long-term back pain each year
    U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services
    View all 11 back pain experts

    Back Pain Q&As

    Rick Olderman
    Rick Olderman
    Physical Therapy
    		 Q

    What causes back pain? 
    A

    Most chronic back pain is due to a few problems: 1. The shape of our spine, 2. How we use our spine, and 3. The forces pulling our spine into one direction or another . . .


    Read More
    Q How can I reduce the risk of lower back pain? Q When should I go to a doctor for back pain?
    Q Does acupuncture treat back pain effectively? Q Who should consider surgery for back pain?
    Q Should I exercise when my back hurts? Q Can nonprescription medication help back pain?
    Q How can I prevent low back pain while sitting? Q How does posture affect back pain?
    Q What stretch relieves lower back pain? Q How is back pain diagnosed?
    See all back pain Q&As

    Back Pain Action Plans

    Before considering surgery, try these treatment strategies for eliminating back pain.


    5 Non-Surgical Treatment Options
    The Best Mattress for Your Back
    How to Choose a Chiropractor
    Build Strength to Stop Back Pain

    Connect with an Expert

    Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD
    Orthopedic Surgery
    University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
    Andrew Hecht, MD
    Andrew Hecht, MD
    Orthopedic Surgery
    The Mount Sinai Medical Center

    Find an expert in your area.

     

    What's Your RealAge?

    Find out how back pain is affecting your RealAge and receive a custom action plan to grow younger.


    Take the RealAge Test

    Take the RealAge Test
    Back Pain Assessment
    Pain Relief Assessment

    Back Pain Videos

    See more back pain videos

    Recipes

    Recipes

    8 Foods That Fight Chronic Pain

    Eating a Mediterranean-style diet filled with vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats is key to managing chronic pain.


    Eat smart

    Checklist

    Checklist

    Dr. Oz's Simple Back Pain Prevention Plan

    Dr. Oz shares his back pain prevention plan: three simple steps to keep pain away


    Try this

    Blog

    Exercise to Build a Better Back
    By Su Reid-St. John

    Feel an unwelcome twinge in your low back every now and again? You're not alone. Researchers estimate that 8 out of 10 of us will grapple with low back issues at some point in our lives. Treating those twinges, aches and shooting pains -- and preventing them from happening in the first place -- often comes . . .


    Read more

    Support Group

    Discussions on DailyStrength


    How does everyone cope with the pain?
    By serenity123

    Returning to work after 11 years
    By Guitardan

    Back Pain From Weight Gain?
    By dania201

    imaginos

    posted to Back Pain

    You never know, and there are a lot of other people out here who can look and help you. 1,000 pairs of eyes see more than one pair. Let us try to help you as best as we can.

    Join the Discussion
    Featured Back Pain Health Blogs

    Related Topics

    • Pain Conditions • Chronic Pain Diagnosis
    • Pain Management • Chronic Pain Treatment
    • Chronic Pain • Living with Pain
    • Chronic Pain Prevention • Bones and Joints

    Sponsor Groups