Back Pain
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
If you've ever groaned, "Oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.
Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help. However, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make it worse.
If your back pain is severe or doesn't improve after three days, you should call your health care provider. You should also get medical attention if you have back pain following an injury.
Treatment for back pain depends on what kind of pain you have, and what is causing it. It may include hot or cold packs, exercise, medicines, injections, complementary treatments, and sometimes surgery.
NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- 6 Things To Know About Massage Therapy for Health Purposes · National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- 9 Things To Know About Chronic Low-Back Pain and Complementary Health Practices · National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Back Surgery: When Is It a Good Idea? · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Discography (Discogram) · Radiological Society of North America
- Lower Back Pain (Symptom Checker Flowchart) · American Academy of Family Physicians
- Myelography · National Library of Medicine
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For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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