Low back pain is one of the top reasons that Americans see their doctor. Most Americans, moreover, experience back pain at one time during their life. Many back related injuries happen at work. But, you can change that. There are many things you can do to lower your chances of getting back pain.

I. Back to Basics

Step 1: What is low back pain?

Step 2: Know your back anatomy

Step 3: Causes of low back pain

Step 4: Are you at risk?

II. First Steps

Step 5: What to do when pain begins

Step 6: Seeing your doctor

Step 7: What tests might be ordered?

Step 8: When is low back pain a serious sign?

III. Taking Control: Treatment and Prevention

Step 9: Exercise and physical therapy

Step 10: Change your work habits

Step 11: Medications

Step 12: Other treatments

Learn More Exercise: Too much, too little, just right Drug treatment - NSAIDs Drug treatment - COX-2 inhibitors Drug treatment - muscle relaxants Drug treatment - narcotics Pain relief - acupuncture Pain relief - chiropractic therapy Pain relief - massage Pain relief - osteopathy Reducing stress may be a help What is sciatica? When is surgery necessary?

Helpful Handouts Exercises to maintain back health How to lift and bend How to prevent low back pain Preparing for your doctor visit

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.