All Back Pain Articles

Seven Myths About Back Pain Debunked

Seven common back pain myths are demystified by Neel Anand, MD, an orthopaedic spine surgeon. Consider, is back pain unavoidable with aging, does exercise cause back pain, is the firmest mattress the best choice if you have back pain?

Back Pain Center: Upper, Mid Back, Low and Lower Back

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people self-treat and seek medical care. It can be described as low back pain or lower back pain and affects 3 in 4 adults. Back pain symptoms may include numbness, tingling sensations, achiness and stiffness.

Low Back Pain Animation

Watch this animation to learn more about low back pain: what are the different types of low back pain? Which type do you have? What kind of back pain treatments will you need?

Turning Back Pain and Sciatica Upside Down

Inversion tables are a non-surgical treatment option for many people with low back pain, leg pain and sciatica symptoms. Inversion table therapy helps decompress the spine and may help relieve back pain and related symptoms.

Discogenic Low Back Pain

As we age, our bodies undergo many changes.The topic of today's discussion is discogenic low back pain; a degenerative condition.

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related back pain is often localized to a specific area of the spine and tends to arise between the 5th and 7th months of pregnancy, though it can begin much earlier.

Does Obesity or Extra Weight Cause Low Back Pain?

The risk of low back pain among adults who are extremely obese is four times greater than among normal-weight adults.

5 Causes of Back and Neck Pain or Discomfort

Five common causes of back and pain are explained by Robert Talac, MD, PhD, an orthopaedic spine surgeon.

6 Causes of Mechanical Back Pain

The cause of most back and neck pain is mechanical—meaning the source of the pain may be triggered by movement the spine.

Spine Doctor's Treatment for Moderate Low Back Pain

Doctor Gerard Malanga gives an inside look at his care philosophy of a patient with moderate low back pain.

Surgery for Upper Back Pain

Surgery for upper back pain is a last resort treatment option. The exact procedure is determined by your diagnosis, but this article explains several common procedures for upper back pain, including decompression and fusion.

Common and Uncommon Causes of Back Pain

Muscle spasms may be the most common cause of back pain, but there are other common causes patients with back pain need to know about.

Can a Poor Diet Cause Back Pain?

Can a diet high in sugar and processed fat cause back pain?

The Best Exercises for Low Back Pain

A spine expert discusses the types of exercises that can be beneficial and which ones to avoid.

Can Inversion Tables Help Your Low Back Pain?

Inversion table therapy may help relieve back pain, sciatica, muscle tension, muscle spasms caused by degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated disc, or facet syndrome. Always talk with your doctor before trying an inversion table.

5 Ways to Manage Back Pain

Low back pain is common, but if you have it, know that it does not have to control your life. Find out 5 quick and easy ways to relieve back pain today.

Symptoms of Upper Back Pain

Common upper back pain symptoms include muscle stiffness, tightness, and tenderness that may affect the shoulders and neck. Upper back pain is often related to muscle or soft tissue problems, such as sprains, strains, or tension.

Lumbago: Mild to Severe Low Back Pain

Lumbago is a seldom used term to mean mild to severe low back pain. The pain can be acute or chronic and affects both young and old.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious low back disorder that causes bladder and/or bowel dysfunction requiring immediate medical attention.

Low and Lower Back Pain Center

Low and lower back pain can vary from dull pain that develops gradually to sudden, sharp or persistent pain felt below the waist.

Epidural Corticosteroid Injections and Low Back Pain

Epidural steroid injections may be part of a treatment program that includes an active exercise program and may assist in avoiding the need for surgical intervention.

Could Slipping Rib Syndrome Be Causing Your Back Pain?

Slipping rib syndrome is a painful and rare disorder also known as floating rib syndrome, lost rib syndrome, costal chondritis or costochondritis, and Tietze syndrome.

Upper Back Pain Center

Pain in the upper and/or mid back is less common than lower back or neck pain. The upper back is the region below the cervical spine (neck) and above the low back (lumbar spine).

Back Pain and Its Impact on Sexual Satisfaction

SpineUniverse.com conducted a national survey on how back pain affects sexual satisfaction. Hint: it doesn't make sex better. Another hint: back pain doesn't mean you can't have sex anymore. Read the full survey results here.

Low Back and Leg Pain is Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy refers to pain in the lower extremities in a dermatomal pattern. A dermatome is a specific area in the lower extremity that has nerves going to it from a specific lumbar nerve.

2008 Presidential Election: The Candidates on Health Care

Health care is one of the top issues in the 2008 election. SpineUniverse asked Senators Obama and McCain 5 questions about their health care plans. Learn how their plans will affect you as you make treatment decisions for your back and/or neck pain.

Take Charge of Your Upper Back Pain

The upper back, or thoracic spine, is the area between the neck and low back. Stiffness, muscle spasms, and pain are common upper back symptoms.

When Is Back or Neck Pain an Emergency?

Not all back or neck pain is serious but how can you tell? Learn about 6 potentially serious spinal conditions and the symptoms that require urgent medical care.

Muscle Spasms are a Leading Cause of Back Pain But NOT the Primary Cause

The cause of back pain and spasm can be attributed to overuse, an accident or a sports injury. If you’ve had one or more episodes of muscle spasm in the low back, chances are it will happen again.

Is Your Job Hurting Your Back?

A recent study sheds light on the ways that low back pain may be caused by something you do every single day—going to work.

Back Pain and Pushing a Wheelchair

The Ohio State University’s Spine Research Institute’s study shows that pushing patients in a wheelchair may cause low back injury. Are you at risk?

Baastrup’s Sign (Kissing Spine) and Back Pain

Baastrup’s sign or syndrome, or Kissing Spine is more common in the lower back, although it can affect the cervical spine (neck) too. It affects the spinous processes and is associated with degenerative changes in the spinal column.

Upper Back Pain Causes

Upper back pain can be caused by many different spinal problems, such as sprain or strain. Here are 10 potential causes of upper back pain.

Medications to Relieve Back Pain

Medications that may help relieve back and neck pain include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, oral steroids, and anti-depressants. Doctor authored information to help you make informed choices about treatment of your spine problem.

Thanksgiving and Back Pain

Thanksgiving is just a warm-up for a month of celebrating. Take care of your back this Thursday and establish good habits for the rest of the holidays. Tips for avoiding back pain in the kitchen, at the table, and on the couch.

About the Back and Back Problems: Pain Relief

Even having a lot of back pain does not by itself mean you need surgery. Surgery has been found to be helpful in only 1 in 100 cases of low back problems.

A Vacation from Back Pain

Summer is the season to burn some vacation time and hit the road. The longer days and warmer weather may make it easier to get away, but summer travel includes cramped flights and seemingly-endless road trips. And that can take a toll on your back.

Weight Loss with Low Back Pain: Finding the Right Program

Weight loss can have a positive and significant impact on reducing back pain. Fining the weight loss program that is right for you is crucial. Learn how here.

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is extremely common in today's society. Seventy-five percent of all people will experience back pain at some time in their lives.The good news is ...

Is the Weather Worsening Your Back Pain?

How changes in the weather may cause back pain to increase, and 6 tips to help you keep seasonal and weather-related pain at bay.

Exams and Tests to Diagnose Upper Back Pain

This articles explains how your doctor examines you to make a proper diagnosis.

High Heels and Flip-Flops Cause Back Pain

Beauty takes its toll: after wearing high heels all day, your back may be screaming for help. Flip-flops can also hurt your spine. A women's spine specialist explains how your fashion choices can be painful.

Chronic Back Pain in United States Compared to United Kingdom

Backache is major issue in the United Kingdom and the United States of America and it’s thought that back pain is one of the most common causes of work absence.

Sex and Back Pain

Back pain can disrupt a sexual relationship. However, back pain doesn’t have to mean no more sex. It does mean that you’ll have to make some adjustments. Dr. Corners discusses this common concern of back pain sufferers and offers solutions.

Tips for Better Sex … even with Back Pain

The results of SpineUniverse's national survey on Sexual Satisfaction and Back Pain indicate that back pain is ruining the sex lives of many people.

Keeping Your Back Healthy as You Age

Five ways to help keep your back and neck healthy as you grow older.

Back Pain and Neck Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment

A spine specialist explains how back pain and neck pain is diagnosed, and what treatments you can try for your pain. Article also covers back pain and neck pain prevention.

Back Pain and Spine Surgery

Sometimes spine surgery is necessary to remedy back pain and sciatica. These five points will help you to prepare.

Trigger Point Spinal Injections for Low Back Pain

If you have muscle-related lower back pain, your doctor may recommend a trigger point injection. How will it work? How many will you need? Find answers here.

Low Back Pain Treatment Guideline Highlights Exercise and Stress Reduction

The American College of Physicians recently published its non-surgical treatment guideline for various types of low back pain—from short-term bouts of pain to debilitating chronic pain.

Full Results for SpineUniverse Back Pain Treatment Options Survey

SpineUniverse presents their survey results from early 2008 where website visitors rated non-surgical back pain treatments on a scale from very dissatisfied to very satisfied.

Lumbar Spine Surgery: Will You Need Surgery for Your Lower Back Pain?

You have lower back pain: Will you need surgery? Detailed article to help you understand spinal anatomy, lower back pain treatment options, including surgical procedures.

Alternative Treatments for Back Pain

Back pain treatments may include acupuncture, herbal remedies, or massage as part of your alternative non-surgical therapy plan.

What Really Gets Rid of Back Pain?

"What really gets rid of back pain?" is a question SpineUniverse asked patients offering more than 10 treatments to choose from including spinal injections, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage and medications.

Lumbar Radiculopathy: Proper Diagnosis Key to Effective Treatment of Back and Leg Pain

Leg and back pain, including sciatica, can be caused by a variety of reasons, not all of which originate from your spine.

Low Back Pain Diagnosis

5 steps to a lower back pain diagnosis: What will the doctor do to find out what's causing your pain? Article written and reviewed by spine surgeons.

Higher Complication Rate for Older Spine Surgery Patients

Read this article to learn about a study that suggests older patients who have complex spinal fusions for lumbar spinal stenosis experience a higher risk of complications and have higher medical expenses than patients who have decompression surgery.

Back Pain and Stretching Exercises

For people with back pain, stretching exercises are especially important because they can help reduce back pain and may even help prevent future episodes of pain or injury.

Exams and Tests for Back Pain

To diagnose the cause of your back pain, your doctor will need to do several tests.

Does Drinking Alcohol Lead to Lower Back Pain?

Can alcohol worsen back pain or can it help reduce pain? It depends on a lot of things, such as how much you’re drinking, and if you have a spine condition that could worsen with alcohol consumption.

Fashion and Back Pain

Your stilettos may look killer now, but the back pain that could follow may make you wish you kept the shoes in the box.

Facet Injections for Low Back Pain

Learn the goal of facet joint injections for low back pain. When should this be recommended? Pain specialist-written article.

Drugs, Medications, and Injections for Upper Back Pain

Drugs, medications, and injections work to control and relieve your upper back pain. Your doctor will help figure out which medication is right for you. Options include acetaminophen and muscle relaxants.

Back Pain Prevention and Relief

Many helpful tips about body mechanics and posture are presented to help back pain patients prevent injury.

5 Harmful Habits for Your Spine

5 harmful habits that can lead to back pain: learn what they are in this article so that you can prevent back pain.

5 Quick Tips to Help Prevent Lower Back Pain

Prevent lower back pain (or reduce your pain) with these 5 quick tips from a spine surgeon.

Muscle Relaxants in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain

You may have been given a muscle relaxant for your acute low back pain. Why are they used?

Acetaminophen in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain

For low back pain, acetaminophen can be effectively used as an analgesic (or pain killer). Doctor-written article on acetaminophen as a pain reliever for lower back pain.

Medication and Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain

A doctor reviews the most common medications used to treat acute lower back pain. What will work for your pain?

John F. Kennedy’s Life-long Struggles With Chronic Back Pain

President John F. Kennedy's story illustrates the difficulty and complexity in diagnosing and treating spinal disorders and chronic back pain.

Holiday Weight Gain: How the Holidays Can Cause Back Pain

What's not to love about the holiday season? Well, how about the weight you put on, thanks to all that festive food...and the possible back pain from that extra weight? Avoid back pain this holiday season by following these tips.

Cold Weather Work May Raise Your Back and Neck Pain Risk

A recent study published online explored whether working in a low-temperature environment affected the risk of neck and lower back problems in construction workers.

Anatomy of the Upper Back

Your thoracic spine (your mid-back or upper back) doesn't move as much as the other parts of your spine. Learn more.

Facts and Tips about Upper Back Pain

Includes tips on what can cause pain so you know how to prevent upper back pain, also called mid-back pain.

Avoid Stressing Your Back

Here are some tips for avoiding stress on your spine while behind the desk at work.

How to Prevent Upper Back Pain

Learn tips, including an exercise you can do every day, for upper back pain prevention.

What Is Upper Back Pain?

The upper back, also known as the mid-back or thoracic spine, isn't as prone to pain as the neck and low back are. Learn about the basics of upper back pain.

Physical Therapy to Relieve Upper Back Pain

A physical therapist can help you learn good posture, strengthen your spinal muscles, and improve your overall health.

Common Upper Back Pain Questions

Need to know the basics about upper back pain (or mid-back pain, as it's also called) fast? Review these commonly asked questions about upper back pain.

Treating Back Pain at Home

There are many things you can do on your own to ease your back pain. Article includes at-home treatment tips.

Finding Relief from Low Back Pain is a Challenge

What's the best way to find low back pain relief? Article reviewed by a spine expert gives you tips on the most effective lower back pain treatments.

Preventing Chronic Low Back Pain

Finding relief from chronic low back pain can be a challenge! What if it was possible to prevent some types of low back pain?

Is Your Low Back Pain Mechanical?

The cause of low back pain can be categorized as being either organic or mechanical. What’s the difference and why is the answer noteworthy to someone with lumbar spine pain?

5 Things About World Spine Day

World Spine Day was launched to educate the public about spine conditions—and inspire them to become more active in their own health.

Physical Therapy to Relieve Back Pain

Read about what your physical therapist may use as he or she works to reduce your back pain.

Obese Children at Risk for Spinal Disorders

A new study suggests that obese children are at risk for developing lumbar spine (low back) disorders. The study found that children with high body mass indexes tend are more likely to have spinal disorders than those who are a healthy weight.

Back Pain and Obesity

Obesity is a contributing factor to back pain and is associated with symptoms of spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease.

Alternative Treatments for Upper Back Pain

Learn about acupuncture and massage and find out how they can help you deal with upper back pain.

Pain Primer: Scientific Research into Painkillers

Scientists are working to develop potent pain-killing drugs that act on pain receptors. Many less toxic compounds that are more potent than morphine, but without its addictive properties are under investigation.

Pain Primer: What Do We Know About Pain?

Pain is a complicated process that involves an intricate interplay between a number of important chemicals naturally found in the brain and spinal cord.

Is Back Pain Ruining Your Golf Game?

Some golfers find their lower back body-swing connection causes back pain. Here are common swing faults that may contribute to lower back pain.

Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain

Focus on corticosteroids for acute low back pain: Will they relieve your pain?

Alexander Technique for Chronic Back Pain

The Alexander technique, may help patients with chronic or recurring low back pain.

Spine Patients and Internet Use

This article will help Internet users to develop a critical eye when viewing sites purporting to offer reliable medical information.

Conclusion: Acute Low Back Pain and Medication

How do you know which medication(s) is best to treat your neck or low back pain? Learn more.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain

Should you try NSAIDs for acute lower back pain? Article filled with medical research and written by a pain management specialist.

Colchicine in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain

Colchicine is normally used for gout: can it really help with acute low back pain? Learn in this pain management specialist-written article.

General Back-Saving Tips

The following list of tips will help you maintain the health of your spine in various aspects of your life. Article covers ways to protect your back while traveling and at home.

Strengthening Exercises for Back Pain

Stretching and strengthening the muscles in your back helps improve the health of your spine. A physical fitness program including a variety of exercises can make your back capable of handling unforeseeable stresses.

Creative, Everyday Exercises to Strengthen Your Back

Exercises that increase the strength of abdomen and back muscles (both upper and lower) will make you more able to resist back injury. This article features alternative exercises that can be practiced throughout your day to strengthen your spine.

Back-strengthening Fitness Routine: Part 2

This article is a part of the exercise program described in Back-strengthening Routine: Part 1. These exercises can improve your flexibility and overall spine health. For optimal results, they should be performed twice a day, 15 minutes at a time.

Back-strengthening Fitness Routine: Part 1

The following program includes exercises to help strengthen your back. These exercises, combined with aerobic exercises, proper nutrition, and good posture habits can dramatically improve your flexibility and overall health.

Don't Ignore a Child Complaining of Back Pain

In one-third of the cases where a child complains of back pain, there turns out to be a serious reason for the complaint whether it be injury, infection, or tumor.

Common Back Pain Questions

This article answers common back pain questions, such as "I just injured my back, but it doesn't hurt enough to go to the doctor. What can I do?"

About the Back and Back Problems: Introduction

Information to help you learn more about acute low back problems, what to do, and what to expect when you see a health care provider.

Lower Back Pain Treatments

Lower back pain treatments overview from a spine specialist: medications, physical therapy, and spine surgery. What will help with your low back pain?

Want to Fix Your Back Pain?

How well you get along with your physical therapist may determine how much lower back pain relief you experience: read results on this interesting low back pain study here.

Back Pain: A Universal Language

Many different conditions can cause neck and back pain such as whiplash, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs. This article includes information about these disorders.

Is Acupuncture Effective in Treating Lower Back Pain?

A recent study set out to explore the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating low back pain. Read the latest findings on this topic here.

Some Surgery Benefits May Exclude Workers' Comp Patients

A study suggests that herniated disc surgery improves pain levels for most patients, but it doesn't appear to provide any added benefits compared to non-surgical treatments for patients receiving workers' compensation. Learn more in this article.

Surgeons Less Likely to Deem Surgery the Best Treatment

Research revealed that spine surgeons were less likely to recommend spine surgery, compared to patients and family doctors. The researchers also evaluated the factors that each group found most important in recommending surgery.

Drugs, Medications, and Spinal Injections to Relieve Back Pain

Learn the basics of what medications are prescribed and the different medications for acute and chronic back pain.

Pain Syndromes and Disorders: Arachnoiditis to Myofascial Pain

Pain comes in many forms—from sharp, fleeting pain to chronic pain. This article explains many causes of pain, especially pain related to the spine and spinal components. Read this to understand how pain varies.

Tips to Avoid Back Pain at the Table

The meal is the highlight of Thanksgiving, so it makes sense that we spend hours around the table. Watch your posture as you're sitting and talking. Also, find out why it's best to pace yourself while eating the big meal.

The Economic Crisis and Back Pain

Americans aren't good at dealing with stress, and with the current economic crisis, we're all stressed out. Stress leads to more back and neck pain as we start to feel that we're carrying the weight of the world. Learn stress-relieving tips.

Back Pain Exercise Video: Piriformis Stretch

A tight piriformis muscle can cause sciatica, pain that radiates from your back and down your leg. Do this piriformis stretch to help relieve that sciatic pain.

Spine Treatments in the News

Can you trust what you hear on the TV about back pain treatment options? Research and cutting edge treatments do make the news, so it's up to you to do your own research after hearing a news segment about spine treatments.

Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

Your chiropractor can determine the cause of your back pain and develop a treatment plan for you. Article explains the various chiropractic care treatment options for back pain.

Pain Syndromes: Neuropathic Pain through Vascular Disease

Neuropathic pain and sciatica are just two types of pain disorders that can affect the spine. These and other pain syndromes are discussed in detail including how these disorders cause discomfort.

Oral Contraceptive Use Linked to Back Pain

Do oral contraceptives lead to more back pain in women? A women's spine specialist explains the possible link between the pill and low back pain. The basic reason: it's the estrogen. Learn what the extra estrogen does to your body.

Benefits of the McKenzie Method

The McKenzie Method has one major benefit: patients can learn self-care techniques that can reverse their back pain and prevent further painful episodes. Learn the other benefits in this article by a McKenzie clinician.

The Importance of Performing Test Movements Repeatedly in the McKenzie Evaulation

In a McKenzie examination, you'll do multiple end-range movements: e.g., arching your back as far as you can. This is to try to find your directional preference-- the movement direction that relieves pain. It's the first step in the McKenzie Method.

The Origin of the McKenzie Method

The McKenzie Method was created by Robin McKenzie. Get the full story of how he developed this back pain treatment option, which he discovered by accident.

Pain: Hope Through Research

Back or neck pain may be new to you, but in this brief history you will learn how pain affected ancient civilizations as well as how current medicine differentiates between acute and chronic pain.

Back Pain and a Healthy Sex Life

Believe it or not, there are ways to manage your back pain and prevent it from interfering with intimacy between you and your partner. Here are some tips to help you reclaim an active sex life and get back to business in the bedroom, despite the pain.

Is the Facet Syndrome a Myth?

Lumbar facet syndrome is a convenient diagnosis for mechanical low back pain, but is it real or is the facet syndrome a myth? Learn about facet syndrome and why some doctors believe it does not exist.

Treatments for Back Pain Relief

Chronic pain is different from acute pain and often has to be managed over time with multiple and/or combined treatments.

Back Pain Research and Treatment Updates

Article includes links to back pain research and treatment updates. As new findings are released, this page will be updated to include the most recent information. The goal is to help you learn about your condition and become a more informed patient.

Back and Neck Pain: Common Causes

Back and neck pain can be caused by many spinal disorders such as a herniated or ruptured disc, compression fracture, stenosis, and infection. These disorders, including sciatica are explained.

Rapidly Reversible Low Back Pain and the McKenzie Method

Dr. Donelson believes some forms of back pain are rapidly reversible-- you can relieve your pain with the McKenzie Method. He explains how and who benefits most from McKenzie.

What is the Role of Age and Gender in Pain?

It is now widely believed that pain affects men and women differently. Researchers have learned that sex hormones, culture, and psychology play a part.

Pain in Aging and Pediatric Populations: Special Needs and Concerns

Pain in younger patients requires special attention, particularly because children are not always able to describe the degree of pain they are experiencing.

Why Does My Back Always Hurt?

Article from physical therapists on 4 things you can do today to reduce or prevent low back pain. Small changes can make a difference in your pain relief.

Low Back and Pelvic Pain Treated Non-surgically with Progressive Resistance Exercise

Progressive resistance exercise helps patients with low back and pelvic pain to reach their rehab goals by gradually challenging muscles to strengthen. Should you try this?

Memo to Airlines: Travelers Would Pay More to Avoid In-flight Back Pain

A SpineUniverse survey found that 75% of people are willing to pay more for a more spine-friendly seat. Will the airlines listen and create a seat that gives support, not back pain?

Anatomy of Back Pain

Understanding why you have back pain starts with understanding the parts of your spine. This article provides an informative overview of the vertebrae, joints, muscles, and nerves that make up your backbone.

The Effect of Flying on Back and Neck Pain: Survey Results

Read the full SpineUniverse survey results on airplane travel and its effect on back and/or neck pain. Basic result: it hurts to fly, but what can travelers do to make themselves more comfortable -- and less likely to step off the plane in pain?

Symptoms of Back Pain

There are various ways to feel back pain and your symptoms depend on what is causing your pain.

Joint Fusion Procedure Shows Pain-relieving Potential

Results from two studies presented at the American Academy of Pain Medicine's Annual Meeting show that minimally invasive joint fusion surgery and spinal cord stimulation effectively relieve back pain. Article includes information on these treatments.

Should You Try Pilates for Lower Back Pain?

Researchers in Brazil set out to test the usefulness of Pilates in the treatment of lower back pain. Check out the results of this recent study.

Back Pain Tips for Expectant Mothers

In a recent study, researchers set out to understand what types of treatments best benefit pregnant women and help reduce their levels of lower back pain.

Americans in Pain: Part 1

When Americans were asked about back pain, a national health care issue, they responded along party lines. Who should fix this pervasive problem? Democrats say the government; Republicans respectfully disagree. Read other intriguing survey results.

Americans in Pain: Part 3

Survey results: America should invest in more research in order to prevent back and neck pain. Other ideas include universal health coverage (that's what Democrats think would fix our backs) and encouraging weight loss (so say Republicans).

Americans in Pain: Part 2

Survey results: Americans say that work is the #1 cause of back and neck pain. Our career-focused lifestyle seems to promote poor posture and a lack of good ergonomic principles. Includes tips on how to avoid back pain and neck pain at wo

Americans in Pain: Part 4

Survey results: who should pay to fix America's pervasive back and neck pain issues? The country is split. Some say the government; some say insurance companies. Any other ideas?

The Olympics Caused My Back Pain

I didn't know watching the Olympics could be so painful...for my spine. For four hours I sat slumped on the couch, and my bad posture led to back pain. Here's some back stretches and exercises I should've done to help prevent muscle tension.

Avoid Back Pain While Leaf Raking

Leaf raking can leave you with back pain, so before heading out to rake, read these quick tips on taking care of your spine and preventing back pain.

Americans in Pain: Part 5

Will we ever be able to entirely prevent back pain? You can do your best to avoid back and neck pain by following these simple tips in your day-to-day life. And if we all follow these suggestions, more of us can prevent pain.

Back Pain Exercises and Stretches

Keeping your back healthy is a daily commitment. It helps to do daily stretches and exercises specifically designed to prevent back pain. Follow these easy instructions on how to prevent back pain or find back pain relief.

Surgery for Back Pain

Less than 5% of people with back pain need spine surgery. But if you're in that 5%, your doctor will make the best recommendation for the type of surgery. This is a list of typical surgical procedures used to treat back pain.

Vitamin D Can Reduce Back Pain

Recent research shows that patients with chronic back pain almost always have a vitamin D deficiency, too. Taking vitamin D supplements may eventually bring pain relief-- when used in conjunction with other treatments. Find out why.

Facts and Tips about Back Pain

Quick facts and tips about back pain.

World-class Olympic Athletes Struggle with Back Pain

Almost all of us get back pain; professional and Olympic athletes are no exception. Learn how several world-class athletes have dealt with herniated discs and sciatic pain, plus hear comments from spine experts on their treatment.

Great Pumpkins, Greater Pains

Pumpkin patches are one of the great mainstays of the fall season. But to make the most of a day trip, you should know how to lift to prevent back pain. Pumpkins are heavier than they look, and they cause pain if you don’t know the right technique.

Back Pain Exercise Video: Curl-up (Crunch)

For back pain caused by spondylosis or spondylolisthesis, the doctor may recommend curl-ups (also called crunches). Most everyone’s familiar with this exercise, which will help strengthen your core muscles. A strong core better supports your spine.

Back Pain Exercise Video: Knee Lifts (Marching)

If you have back pain (especially back pain with sciatica) caused by spondylosis or spondylolisthesis, your doctor may recommend the knee lift exercise. Video shows you how to do this back pain exercise to help reduce your pain.

Back Pain Exercise Video: Opposite Arm and Leg Extension

The opposite arm and leg extension is a great exercise for low back pain caused by a herniated disc. Learn how to do it in this video.

Back Pain Exercise Video: Pelvic Tilt

The pelvic tilt exercise is one of the most important exercises for your low back. Helps with degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Learn how to do it well in this video.

Back Pain Exercise Video: Upper Back Extension

Doing upper back extension exercises can help strengthen and stabilize your lower back. If you have back pain from a herniated disc, your doctor may recommend this stretch. Video explains how to do an upper back extension.

Back Pain Exercise Video: All Fours Opposite Arm and Leg Extension

Watch this exercise video to see how to do the all fours opposite arm and leg extension. It’s an exercise that can help relieve pain caused by degenerative disc disease in the low back, and it can strengthen and stabilize your lumbar spine.

Back Pain Exercise Video: Knee to Chest

The knee to chest stretch is one way to relieve pain from degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. Your doctor may recommend that you do this exercise for your back pain, especially if you have sciatica as well.

Back Pain Exercise Video: Lower Trunk Rotation

Physical therapist-approved exercise video that shows you how to do a lower trunk rotation, a helpful stretch for back pain prevention and treatment.

Back Pain Exercise Video: Prone on Elbows into Press-up

The prone on elbows exercise can help relieve your back pain caused by a herniated disc. It’s good to do if you have sciatica. Watch this exercise video to see how best to do this back stretch.

A Letter to Santa from SpineUniverse

Dear Santa, SpineUniverse is worried about how your extra weight affects your back. Try our back pain prevention tips!
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