Recent Blog Articles

Prostate cancer in transgender women

Why eat lower on the seafood chain?

Can long COVID affect the gut?

When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?

Safe, joyful movement for people of all weights

Slowing down racing thoughts

Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?

3 ways to create community and counter loneliness

Helping children make friends: What parents can do

Can electrical brain stimulation boost attention, memory, and more?
Low back pain: Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis
Oh my aching back! If you've never uttered that lament, you are one of the lucky few who have been spared. Some 70%–80% of men (and nearly as many women) have endured a bout of moderate to severe low back pain — and lots of us have suffered through many such episodes. All in all, back pain is the fifth most common problem that sends Americans to their physicians. And the problem goes well beyond pain and inconvenience; the annual cost of medical care and lost productivity is more than $50 billion.
It would be encouraging to report that this investment of time and money results in recovery. But in most cases, back pain will resolve as quickly (or as slowly) without medical attention as it will with a doctor's care. In most cases, in fact, you can take care of your back yourself. The trick is to know what to do and to recognize symptoms that really do call for prompt medical tests and treatments.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!