BACK PAIN

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• Upper, mid or lower back pain that occurs mainly in the midline.

General Information

• Lower back pain is the cause of countless visits to doctors' offices and emergency rooms. It is the second most common cause of lost workdays, after cold and flu symptoms. Over 80% of Americans experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.
• In most cases, the cause of lower back pain is not serious, and the pain usually subsides within 4-6 weeks, without special treatment.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• CHEST PAIN, if the pain is in the part of the upper back that overlies the rib cage rather than the spine.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

• Chest Pain

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