Back pain in the lower back (also referred to as "low back pain") is a very common condition. Over 90% of American citizens report that they have suffered from back pain some time in their lives. And 50% of those sufferers will experience more than one episode of lower back pain. Lower back pain can be caused by a whole variety of things. One frustrating thing is that in the majority of cases, medical check-ups will be able to show any specific cause can be found for the back pain. The good news: in the large majority of people, even those where nerve root irritation is one of the causative factors, the back pain will improve within two months. Acute low back pain Acute low back pain is defined is defined as back pain lasting for less than a month. Most acute low back pain results from (a) a trauma to the lower back, or (b) a disease such as arthritis. Where the pain results from a trauma, this could result from a sports injury, an injury sustained while working around one's home or garden, or perhaps a sudden strain or jolt (eg an automobile accident). Chronic back pain Chronic low back pain is defined as back pain lasting for longer than a month. With chronic back pain, the disorder is said to be progressive and the exact cause can be hard to locate.. Treatment Often OTC (over-the-cournter) analgesics will reduce the pain and anti-inflammatory drugs will lessen the inflammation. Prescription drugs can also help relieve the pain. Normally bed rest is required only 1 or 2 days and the patient should then try to resume activities as soon as possible. Cold compresses applied to the painful area often help. Gentle exercise may be used to help strengthen back and stomach muscles and to relieve the pain. Some experts recommend chiropractic, acupuncture, or massage therapy. Most low back pain can be fixed without surgery. However,surgery may help in cases where the back pain fails to respond to other therapies.

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