Alternative Names
Nonspecific back pain; Backache – chronic; Lumbar pain – chronic; Pain – back – chronic; Chronic back pain – low
Definition of Low back pain – chronic
Back pain is one of the most common health complaints. Almost everyone will have back pain at some time in their life. Most of the time, the exact cause of the pain cannot be found.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
One single event may not cause your pain. You may have been doing many things improperly — such as standing or lifting — for a long time. Then suddenly, one simple movement (such as reaching for something or bending from your waist) leads to the feeling of pain.
Symptoms
You may feel a variety of symptoms if you have hurt your back, including:
Signs and tests
During the physical exam, the health care provider will try to pinpoint the location of the pain and figure out how it affects your movement. You will be asked to:
Treatment
If you have any concerning symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Expectations (prognosis)
Most back problems will get better on their own. The key is to know when you need to seek medical help and when self-care measures will allow you to get better.
Review
Reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Also reviewed by C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. – 7/10/2009
