Back pain is an extremely common malady and is responsible for the majority of days lost from work in the United States.

The majority of back pain is as a result of strain to the muscles n the back and, as such, will respond to simple treatments, such as rest, mild pain medications, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen.

Occasionally, physical therapy or chiropractic treatment would be beneficial in relieving more persistent pain.

Long-term weight loss and exercise is extremely important in the maintenance of chronic muscular back pain.

Muscular back pain is the major problem in probably three-quarters of the patients with back pain.

The other percentage of people with back pain may have pain which is caused by advancing arthritis of the spine, severe disc degeneration or ruptured discs, or even fractures and tumors.

All of these problems tend to be more long-lasting and should have referral to a specialist for treatment.

The majority of these problems can be treated medically with good success.

Somewhat less than 5% of people with back pain alone may require a more invasive approach to include things such as steroid injections or even surgery.