What is Chronic Back Pain?Long lasting. To be termed chronic, back pain usually has been presentfor three months at a time. Recurring. Even after resolution of one long episode of back pain, pain tends toreturn. However, the recurrence is highly variable among people and unpredictable.

Back pain will affect up to 90% ofAmericans at some point in theirlifetime. Up to 50% will have more thanone episode. Low back pain is second only tothe common cold as a cause oflost days at work, for peopleunder 45. Back pain is one of the mostcommon reasons to visit adoctor's office or a hospital'semergency department. For 90% of people, even thosewith nerve root irritation, theirsymptoms will improve withintwo months no matter whattreatment is used, even if notreatment is given.

Statistics:

Your back pain persists beyond a few daysYour back pain awakens you at night Your have difficulty controlling yourbowels or bladder You have a fever, chills, sweats, or othersigns of infection You experience any other unusualsymptoms Pain is worse when you cough or sneeze

See your Doctor when:

Common Myth: Bed rest is the best cure for back pain. Fact: While rest is beneficial, staying in bed for 1 or 2 days will domore harm than good. Light, low impact exercise is the best relief.