Spotlight on Back Pain

Introduction

Your back is a complex structure, making it possible for you to move, bend, stretch and twist.

Of all the different types of aches and pains people experience, back pain is the most common. A majority of us - eight out of 10 - will experience back pain at some point in our lives. And that number is expected to rise as the population ages and the rate of obesity continues to climb.

If you’ve ever had a nagging backache, you know it can make it difficult - and painful - to do everyday things like putting on your seat belt, reaching for something in the closet or bending down to tie your shoe. 

The good news is that back pain usually goes away within a few days or weeks - either on its own or by using conservative therapies that might include a short rest period, gentle exercise and stretching, pain or anti-inflammatory medications and/or applying ice packs or heating pad.

Chronic back pain - lasting six weeks to three months or longer - is much less common. But for those 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 64 who have frequent or persistent back pain, it can be life changing. That’s why it’s important to take care of your back and keep it working properly, especially as you get older.

New Back Pain Resources Unveiled

If you or a loved one suffers with back pain, take some time to learn self-care strategies that can help you get well and build a stronger, healthier back to prevent future problems.

The American Pain Foundation has created this practical online manual to educate readers about back pain and arm them with information to talk with their health care providers about prevention and treatment. As with other pain conditions, it can take time and patience to find answers, but these articles offer tips to help you advocate for quality symptom management.

Included are articles, worksheets and tips about preventing and managing back pain, including:

• Introduction 
• Oh, My Aching Back! The ABCs of Back Pain 
• Common Causes and Knowing When to Seek Care to Avoid Problems
• Who’s Who in Treating Back Pain
• Finding Relief: 10 Ways to Manage Back Pain
• Lifestyle Tips: Preventing Back Pain from the Start
• Back Pain & the Workplace 
• Back Truths: Debunking Common Myths about Back Pain
• In Your Words: Profiles of People Living with Back Pain
• Coping with an abnormal curve in the spine
• Sustaining a back injury at work
• References & Sources

Helpful Handouts:

• Back Pain: Tips for Prevention & Self-Care
• Get Moving: Strengthening Your Back Through Exercise
• Getting Back on Track: Staying on Top of Your Back Pain

You’ll also find Terms You Need to Know, Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider, Did You Know?, and a list of helpful resources.

Check back for added interactive features, including Test Your Knowledge and other helpful resources.

The information on this website is provided to help users find answers and support. Readers may wish to print the information and discuss it with their doctor. Always consult with health care providers before starting or changing any treatment.

The American Pain Foundation is solely responsible for the content, and maintains editorial control, of all materials and publications it produces. We gratefully acknowledge those who support our work. This project is made possible by support from Purdue Pharma LP.

Last Updated: 06/29/10