Low Back Pain

Based upon your answers, your back pain could be due to a strain or sprain related to one of your daily activities that stressed the joint, tendons and/or ligaments around the back; it should improve over time.

To decrease pain, avoid overuse and try a heating pad (especially if pain has only been present for a day or two). Over-the-counter pain medications, topical treatments (such as Icy Hot or Ben Gay), or the application of ice might be helpful.

If symptoms are getting worse or do not resolve, consult your physician.

More information about your back pain may be helpful to better understand why it is hurting.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Faculty of Harvard Medical School Date Last Reviewed: 8/30/2006 Date Last Modified: 8/7/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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