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Back pain is very common among adults. Any type of pain or discomfort between your lower neck and tailbone is defined as back pain.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people visit the doctor. At Dignity Health, our orthopedic surgeons and specialists offer complete care for a wide variety of conditions that cause back pain. If your doctor has recommended treatment for back pain, find a specialist near you.
The following are common symptoms of back pain:
Speak with a doctor if you’re experiencing severe or persistent back pain that is limiting your daily activities.
In many cases, your back pain may develop due to a problem with the structures of your back itself, such as your spinal column, ligaments, muscles, or nerves.
Such problems may be due to:
Other medical problems, including those related to women’s health, the heart and blood vessels, and kidney conditions, can also cause back pain.
Depending on what causes it, back pain may come on suddenly, with sharp, stabbing pain, or it may build gradually over time. Cases that come on rapidly are called acute back pain, while back pain that develops slowly or lasts longer than eight weeks is called chronic back pain.
Back pain can also be described based on what area of the spine is affected. For example, neck and upper back pain are related to the neck and shoulder muscles and cervical and thoracic vertebrae, and pain in the middle and low back may be associated with the lumbar vertebrae or the organs which sit below the ribcage, such as the kidneys.
Some everyday activities can increase your risk of injury or strain in your back, including:
Other common risk factors include:
Here are some steps you can take to protect your back and prevent the development of low back pain:
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.