Back Pain

Fast Facts

• Approximately 80% of the world's population develops back pain at some point during their life.
• Back pain is one of the most common reasons that people see their doctor.
• The cause of low back pain can be determined by medical history and physical examination and rarely requires expensive or uncomfortable tests. Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause though.
• Most patients will recover within a few weeks, usually by remaining active and exercising while occasionally taking pain-relieving drugs.
• In some patients, back pain can become chronic.
• Lifestyle changes can be beneficial in successful management of back pain.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain usually starts because of problems with how the muscles, joints, and bones in your back are working. Here are the most common causes:

Muscle Strain
This is one of the top causes of back pain. It often happens when people lift something heavy, twist the wrong way, or overdo it during physical activity. Shoveling snow, gardening, or sitting for a long time—like during a road trip—can strain your back muscles. These kinds of injuries can cause pain and tightness, but they usually heal with rest, ice, and gentle movement.

Aging and Wear-and-Tear
As people get older, the bones and discs in the back naturally change. The discs between the bones in your spine act like cushions, and they can dry out or break down over time. This is called degenerative disc disease and is a common cause of back pain in adults.

Herniated Discs
Sometimes a disc can slip or bulge out of place. This is called a herniated disc. When that happens, it may press on a nearby nerve, causing pain not just in your back but also down your leg. This is often called sciatica. You may also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg. Most people with a herniated disc feel better with time and therapy.

Spinal Stenosis
This condition happens when the space inside your spine gets too narrow. The nerves inside can get pinched. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs, especially when standing or walking. The pain usually gets better when you lean forward or sit down. This is more common in older adults and is usually caused by bone spurs or thickened ligaments pressing on the nerves.

How Is Back Pain Diagnosed and Treated?

Doctors usually start by asking questions and checking your back with a physical exam. They want to know when the pain starts, where it hurts, and what makes it better or worse.

If your pain doesn’t get better in a few weeks, your doctor may suggest an X-ray or MRI to look at your spine more closely.

Most people don’t need surgery or special treatments. Instead, they get better with simple care:

• Physical therapy: A trained therapist teaches you stretching and strengthening exercises. This helps your back heal and can prevent the pain from coming back.
• Staying active: Try not to rest too much. Short periods of rest are okay, but too much bed rest can make pain worse.
• Exercise: Gentle movements like walking, stretching, or yoga can help.
• Hot and cold therapy: Ice for the first 48 hours can help reduce pain and swelling. After that, heat (like a warm towel or heating pad) can relax tight muscles.
• Pain medicine: Over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with mild to moderate pain.
• Muscle relaxers: Sometimes your doctor might suggest these if your muscles are very tight.

Living with Back Pain

Most back pain gets better within 2 to 6 weeks. Even if it comes back sometimes, there are ways to manage it and keep it from becoming a bigger problem.

Here’s how to take care of your back:

• Exercise regularly: Keep your back and core muscles strong.
• Keep a healthy weight: Extra weight puts more stress on your spine.
• Use good posture: Sit and stand up straight. Avoid slouching.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can make it harder for your back to heal.
• Lift safely: Bend your knees, not your back. Keep objects close to your body.
• Stay active: The more you move, the stronger your back will stay.

There’s no special diet that prevents back pain, but eating healthy and staying fit helps your whole body—including your back—feel its best.

Updated April 2025 by Howard Yang, MD, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.

This information provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.