Low Back Pain

Based on your answers, some of the most likely causes of your back pain include

• degenerative joint disease (also called osteoarthritis)
• polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
• disk disease
• sciatica
• spinal stenosis
• compression fracture related to osteoporosis.

More than one of these may be present in the same person and there are other, rarer causes that could be responsible.

While over-the-counter pain medicines, a heating pad, and rest may be helpful, it is important that you see your doctor to evaluate these symptoms.

Click here for more information on these conditions and others.

START OVER    PREVIOUS

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.

Related About.com Content

• Back and Neck Pain

• Orthopedics

• Arthritis