Pain
Managing back pain
Painful episodes can become common as people age. Here's how to treat and prevent them.
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
At some point, almost everyone tweaks their back. It could be from lifting groceries, picking something up off the floor, or even sneezing too hard. Such an injury produces what doctors call acute back pain, meaning it's a temporary setback and will go away in time as the injury heals. For a while, though, the pain can range from annoying to debilitating.
"Most often, acute back pain happens because of weak muscles related to aging and inactivity," says Dr. Christopher Bono, professor of orthopedic surgery at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. "This makes muscles more susceptible to stress overload and strains."
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
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