The Anatomy of Back Pain
Learn how the spine is built, what gives it its wide range of motion, and why there is low back pain.
Muscles that Support the Back
The wide range of motion for the spine would not be possible without the muscles that support the back.
Diagnosing Back Pain
A good description of the pain is the best way to help the doctor find a treatment.
Laboratory Tests to Determine Back Pain
Can blood tests explain why you have low back pain? In some cases, yes.
Imaging Studies to Determine Back Pain
When necessary, your doctor may turn to medical imaging technology to help diagnose back pain. Here’s a rundown on the five available tests.
Electrical Tests to Determine Back Pain
Electrical tests may be used in difficult cases involving leg pain that has persisted for over a month.
The Challenge of Diagnosing Back Pain and
Problems with MRIs
Discovering the cause of low back pain is very difficult. An MRI probably won’t help.
Problems with MRIs
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of
Low Back Pain
Learn the guidelines for how doctors should diagnosis and treat low back pain.
Low Back Pain
Causes of Back Pain
Learn some quick facts about what causes low back pain.
Back Sprains, Strains, and Spasms
What’s the difference between a sprain, strain, and spasm? Find out here.
Trigger Points and Chronic Back Pain
Trigger points are an often-overlooked source of musculoskeletal pain.
The Aging Spine and Degenerative Changes
Learn what the four most common causes of back pain are for older adults.
Shrinking with Age
No one wants to shrink, of course, but it’s a normal part of life if you live long enough.
Herniated Disc
Even a sneeze can rupture a disc in your back. Here’s what you need to know about a herniated disc.
Treatment for a Herniated Disc
Pain meds or surgery? Learn about the treatment for a herniated disc.
Vertebral Compression Fractures
Certain disorders can weaken the bones, making the spine particularly vulnerable to compression fractures.
Spinal Stenosis
As one ages, the spinal canal narrows. Learn the symptoms of spinal stenosis.
Treating Spinal Stenosis
Learn about the nonsurgical and surgical options for treating spinal stenosis.
Vascular Claudication
Learn how to tell the difference between vascular claudication and spinal stenosis.
Spinal Deformities
Spinal deformities often develop in children but can also occur in older adults.
Sciatica and Cauda Equina Syndrome
Sciatica results from irritation of one of the nerve roots in the lower back. Here's rundown on sciatica and cauda equina syndrome.
Treating Spondylolisthesis (Slipped Disk)
If you have a slipped disk, you might need surgery.
Additional Causes of Back Pain
Learn about more medical conditions that can cause back pain.
Self-Treatment of Back Pain
Most episodes of back pain can be treated with a little self-care.
Exercises that Strengthen the Core and Help
with Back Pain
Research shows that exercise is good for reducing back pain and improving quality of life for people with a history of low back pain, especially exercises that strengthen the body’s core.
with Back Pain
Aquatic Exercise for Treatment of Back Pain
A hot soak and some aquatic fitness might be just the right treatment for your low back pain.
Psoas Muscles: Stretches and Practices to Help
with Hip, Groin, and Low Back Pain
Find out if it’s your psoas muscles that are causing hip or low-back pain and learn ways to stretch them out.
with Hip, Groin, and Low Back Pain
Yoga for Scoliosis
If you have scoliosis, certain yoga postures may help decrease the curves of your spine.
Posture and Back Pain
Bad posture can put excessive strain on certain portions of the spine. Here are some tips for improving your posture.
Exercises that Target Muscles for Better Posture
These simple stretching and strengthening exercises target muscles essential for good posture.
The Alexander Technique for Back Health
The Alexander Technique, a method of improving posture and reducing muscle tension, can help treat low back pain.
Back Protection Practices to Integrate into Daily Life
Here are some clever back-saving techniques to help you get those chores done and limit back pain.
Stress Reduction and Back Pain
Do you have chronic back pain? Don’t just treat the body, relax your mind, too.
Reducing Back Pain While You Sleep
Chronic pain in the neck or lower back greatly affects how well you sleep, and a lack of sleep can make the pain worse. Break the vicious cycle with these tips for getting a good night’s rest.
Exercise and Psychotherapy for Chronic Back Pain
Physical activity plus psychotherapy helps patients get back to normal living.
Neck Pain Prevention Tips
Do you have a kink in your neck? Learn tips to help prevent neck pain.
Causes and Management of Neck Pain
Neck pain is very common and many things can cause it.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Neck Pain
When neck pain does not not go away on its own in a short period of time, the next step is to seek diagnosis and treatment.
Alternative Therapies for Treatment of Back Pain
Many people turn to alternative therapies for low back pain treatment, but be cautious—there’s little evidence they work consistently. Here’s a roundup of the most common alternative methods for relieving back pain.
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is an increasingly accepted back pain treatment, including treatment for low back pain.
What You Need to Know About Chiropractic Therapy
Here is a rundown on the precautions you should consider before you begin or continue chiropractic treatment.
Using Pain Medications Safely
Safety tips on using over-the-counter pain relievers and NSAIDs for back pain.
Prescription Drugs for Back Pain Relief
Pain relieving drugs are still the mainstay of treating back pain. But some can be addictive, so use with caution.
Potential Health Risks of Pain Relievers
Pain relievers and NSAIDs can help manage back pain, but many of them can have serious health risks.
Understanding Opioids and Recognizing the Signs
of Misuse
Opioids are really good at relieving back pain, but they also have dangerous side effects. They can lead to dependence, addiction, depression, and death.
of Misuse
Managing Chronic Back Pain
Don’t ignore chronic back pain. Learn how to manage chronic pain and improve your quality of life.
Surgery for Back Pain
Sometimes, surgery is the right choice for low back pain. Learn if it is the right one for you.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Is minimally invasive surgery right for you? Recovery is quicker, but there are some potential risks.
Spinal Injections for Back Pain
In some cases of low back pain, you may want to consider spinal injection therapy.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
If back surgery fails to relieve your back pain, you may want to think about electoral stimulation of the spine.
