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Low Back Pain

Condition Basics

What is low back pain?

Low back pain, Opens dialog is pain that can occur anywhere below the ribs and above the legs. It is very common. Almost everyone has it at one time or another.

Low back pain can be:

  • Acute. This is new pain that can last a few days to a few weeks—at the most a few months.
  • Chronic. This pain can last for more than a few months. Sometimes it can last for years.

What causes it?

Causes of low back pain may include overuse, injury, illness, or changes that happen with age, such as arthritis. In most cases, it's not clear what causes low back pain.

What are the symptoms?

Low back pain may be dull or sharp. It may be in one small area or over a broad area. You may also have muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your back and overall health. Most people don't need any tests right away. But if your pain lasts more than 6 weeks, your doctor may order an X-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How is low back pain treated?

Most low back pain improves with self-care. This includes ice or heat and light activity such as walking. Use over-the-counter pain medicine as needed.

For severe symptoms or pain that continues after 2 weeks of self-care, see your doctor. You may benefit from other treatment, such as stronger medicine, exercises, or manual therapy, Opens dialog.

There are a number of other treatments for back pain. You may need to try more than one to see what works best for you. Common treatments include acupuncture, massage, and yoga.

For chronic back pain, one type of treatment by itself may not help. The best plan is often a mix of treatments.

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.