Back pain (also known as \"dorsalgia\") is pain felt in the back that usually originates from themuscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine.

The pain can often be divided into neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain or tailbone pain. It may have a sudden onset or can be a chronic pain; it can be constant or intermittent, stay in one place or radiate to other areas. It may be a dull ache, or a sharp or piercing or burning sensation. The pain may be radiate into the arm and hand), in the upper back, or in the low back, (and might radiate into the leg or foot), and may include symptoms other than pain, such as weakness, numbness or tingling.

Back pain is one of humanity's most frequent complaints. In the U.S., acute low back pain (also called lumbago) is the fifth most common reason for physician visits. About nine out of ten adults experience back pain at some point in their life, and five out of ten working adults have back pain every year.

The spine is a complex interconnecting network of nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and all are capable of producing pain. Large nerves that originate in the spine and go to the legs and arms can make pain radiate to the extremities.

Headlines Around the Web

Articles About Back pain

Skechers Shape-Ups
Skechers Pays $40 Million Settlement In Lawsuit Against Kim Kardashian Endorsed Shape-Ups

By IBTimes

Kim Kardashian will no longer be endorsing Skechers' Shape-ups fitness shoes. A lawsuit against the company has resulted in a $40 million settlement along with the company no longer being able to make health-related claims about their Shape-Ups,... (May 17)

MORE TOPICS: COURT, LAWSUIT, SETTLEMENT, KIM KARDASHIAN

Counterfeit Drugs
Stendra, Potential Viagra Alternative, Gets FDA Approval

By IBTimes

Stendra, the first new drug to enter the erectile dysfunction market in nearly a decade, aims to become the new Viagra alternative after receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration. (Apr 30)

Former Ukrainian PM Tymoshenko shows what she claims an injury in the Kachanivska prison in Kharkiv
Former Ukraine PM Tymoshenko's Health Reportedly Failing In Prison

By IBTimes

Jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko continues a hunger strike to protest prison abuse while doctors say she also suffers from a chronic back condition that is unable to be treated in Ukraine. (Apr 27)

MORE TOPICS: HUMAN RIGHTS, EUROPEAN UNION, COURT, RUSSIA, ELECTIONS, UKRAINE

10-Year-Old Girl Sues Mother for Drunk Driving

By IBTimes UK

The girl was badly injured and her sister died in the incident. (Apr 26)

MORE TOPICS: COURT, LONDON

Frida Kahlo's Mysterious Infertility Diagnosed Through Her Paintings

By Mother Nature Network

The famed Mexican artist may have suffered from Asherman's syndrome, doctor says. (Apr 25)

MORE TOPICS: ABORTION

Steroid injection
Study Dampens Hopes For Steroid Replacement In Treating Back, Leg Pain

By IBTimes

For sciatica patients, the genetically engineered pain medicine etanercept is no better at treating leg and lower back pain than traditional steroid injections, according to a new study. (Apr 16)

MORE TOPICS: PFIZER, ARTHRITIS

Ryan O'Neal Has Prostate Cancer: Prognosis And Facts About The Disease
Ryan O'Neal Has Prostate Cancer: Prognosis And Facts About The Disease

By IBTimes

Actor Ryan O'Neal revealed he has stage 4 prostate cancer, although his doctors are optimistic that he will overcome the disease. (Apr 16)

MORE TOPICS: TWITTER, FACEBOOK, CANCER

Schoolchildren
Schoolchildren on Course for Back Problems with Over-heavy Bags

By IBTimes UK

Study in Spain warns that overburdened children carry more weight in their school packs than workers. (Mar 15)

Arthritis Hands X-Ray
Arthritis Drugs: Side Effects Of Shelved Medication Include Bone Decay, Joint Deterioration

By IBTimes

On Monday, March 12, Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals will argue that they should continue to study the drug, while taking the necessary safety precautions to protect their patients. (Mar 08)

MORE TOPICS: PFIZER, ARTHRITIS

Australia's Shane Watson plays a shot during the first day of a warm up match against Indian Board President's XI in the northern Indian city of Chandigarh September 25, 2010. Australia will play their first test cricket match against India in Mohali on O
Shane Watson is Back to Captain Australia in the Finals

By IBTimes AU

Captain Michael Clarke went out of the team due to back pains. Shane Watson, who has fully recovered, is back in the game to captain team Australia during the finals. (Feb 27)

MORE TOPICS: AUSTRALIA, INDIA

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