An overwhelming majority of people suffer from acute back pain at some point in their lives. That being said, back pain is consistently ranked among the most common reasons why people seek medical treatment. Even with significant advancements in the medical field, people continue to suffer from chronic back pain. After years of living with this pain, people often believe their only option for relief is back surgery. However, most people can reduce their back pain through a combination of treatments such as medication management, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and/or injection therapy.
According to Jeffrey S. Grossman, M.D, inventor of the "Percutaneous Needle Alignment System," 99 percent of patients suffering from severe back pain, including those with herniated disks and sciatica, can have their pain managed without surgery.

There are many different causes of back pain. Many injuries occur as a result of overuse or trauma. Injury due to overuse implies that the components of the spine have been overworked and subjected to repetitive stress. With overuse, the structure of the tissues, bones, muscles, and tendons may be fractured and/or inflamed, causing irritation and pain. Trauma is another common reason for the appearance of back pain. Pain associated with back trauma typically correlates with a significant accident that had a direct effect on the spinal column. Whiplash is a widespread traumatic neck injury caused by such occurrences as car accidents, falls, and contact sports. The quick jerk of the neck forces this part of the body out of its normal range of motion, oftentimes resulting in damage to the cervical area of the spine. This type of injury is also known to cause chronic pain and headaches over time.

The spine is an intricate structure comprised of vertebrae, discs, ligaments and nerves that transmit signals to other areas of the body. Due to this intricate web, back injury can actually radiate through the body and settle in the neck, tailbone, and even the outer extremities of the body, including the arms, legs, and feet. Some back pain is due to injury or damage to the spinal vertebrae, while pinched nerves may cause other types of back pain. Some well-known back conditions include herniated discs, lumbar and cervical radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, bursitis, and stress fractures.

Factors which may increase a person’s risk of developing back pain are age, poor physical health, obesity, genetics, diseases such as arthritis, and smoking. Although some issues are hereditary, it is possible to be proactive about preventing future back issues and conditions. Some of the most effective techniques in preventing back pain are thoroughly stretching and warming up the body prior to exercise, exercising often to increase core strength, consuming vitamin D daily, and practicing good posture when sitting and lifting.

Although several simple home remedies may provide temporary relief from back pain, persistent pain and discomfort should be promptly addressed with a primary physician or a spine specialist..Spine specialists will diagnose the source of the patient’s pain and develop a thorough treatment and prevention plan to alleviate, and potentially cure, chronic pain for life.