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Back Pain Archive

Pain

Pool therapy beats physical therapy for chronic low back pain

Published April 1, 2022

A small, randomized trial published online Jan. 3, 2022, by JAMA Network Open suggests that aquatic or pool therapy is more effective at reducing chronic low back pain than physical therapy.

Exercise & Fitness

Easy exercises to shore up your core

Published January 1, 2022

Strong core muscles—those in the abdomen, back, sides, pelvis, hips, and buttocks—support cardiovascular health by helping people stay active. Easy core exercises include chair stands, standing leg lifts, and walk-and-carry exercises. The latter are especially helpful because they strengthen many muscles at the same time and simulate real-life activities such as carrying groceries or a laundry basket.

Pain

Got back pain? Can virtual reality provide real pain relief?

Published December 10, 2021

Chronic low back pain is a leading cause of long-lasting pain and disability worldwide. Treatment options help some people but not all, leaving millions seeking safe, effective treatment. An 8-week program using a virtual reality device aims to offers lasting relief, but valid questions about evidence of effectiveness have not yet been answered.

Pain

A single-session class offers chronic low back pain relief

Published December 1, 2021

A single two-hour pain management class may offer months-long relief from chronic low back pain compared with other approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and back health education.

Pain

Help for your aching back

Published December 1, 2021

Short-term (acute) and chronic back pain can be managed through a variety of strategies. For short-term pain, over-the-counter pain relievers, heat, and moving as much as possible can help. Chronic back pain may require assistance from a doctor, which could include medication, physical therapy, and rarely surgery. People considering surgery for back pain should consider getting a second opinion. Surgery sometimes is not successful at relieving pain.

Pain

"Pandemic posture" hurting your back? You can fix it!

Published October 1, 2021

"Pandemic posture" refers to poor posture from slouching at a desk or on a couch during time at home during the pandemic, and it can result in back or neck pain. To reduce pain, doctors recommend exercising every day; working with a physical therapist to learn the right way to sit up straight and how to strengthen the muscles that support the posture; using a chair with cushioning for the buttocks and support for the lower back; using a footrest; keeping a computer monitor at eye level; and using an ergonomically designed mouse and wrist pad.

Back Pain

Back pain risk factors you can change

Published July 20, 2021

Pain

Take on chronic pain where it lives

Published July 1, 2021

Chronic pain conditions are common in older adults. Managing pain at home can be as important as working with a doctor. There are numerous options for at-home pain management, including online workout programs, cognitive behavioral therapy programs, online support groups, and apps. Recognizing that you can take steps to decrease chronic pain is crucial to success.

Pain

Is my kidney causing my back pain?

Published July 1, 2021

People commonly think back pain comes from the kidney, but it's more likely due to a muscle- or spine-related problem. When pain is related to the kidney, the pain is higher up in the back, and the symptoms are different, such as a fever and waves of intense pain rather than a steady ache.

Diseases & Conditions

Careful! Scary health news can be harmful to your health

Published June 17, 2021

A news story about a worrisome or life-threatening ailment might get you thinking about your own health, especially if you happen to have some of the same symptoms. But dramatic or unusual medical stories can bias your thinking and even negatively affect your health decision-making.

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