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Back pain

Back pain is a common medical condition among older adults. Episodes may be acute or chronic. Spine health is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor. Learn more about back pain causes, treatment and symptom relief.

Back pain? Try exercise!
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3 research-based benefits of yoga for healthy aging
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Chronic Pain: A common but invisible disease
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  • Evidence Summary

    Yoga for chronic non-specific low back pain.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2022)
  • Evidence Summary

    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for acute low back pain.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2020)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with a herniated disc in the lower back, low-quality evidence suggests surgery may reduce pain and improve function in the short term

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Clin Rehabil (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    In adults with acute low back pain, spinal manipulation improves pain and function by a small amount in the short term

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    JAMA (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with acute or chronic low back pain, some non-drug treatments can provide small to moderate improvement in pain and functioning

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Ann Intern Med (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with acute or chronic low back pain that has not responded to non-drug treatments, medications can provide small to moderate improvement in pain and functioning

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Ann Intern Med (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Yoga treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for sciatica.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Paracetamol for low back pain.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Herbal medicine for low-back pain.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with chronic low back pain, selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with radicular low back pain or spinal stenosis, epidural corticosteroid injections do not improve pain or function

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Ann Intern Med (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Exercise programs that focus on coordination/stabilization or strength/resistance can improve chronic low back pain

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Clin Rehabil (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Therapeutic ultrasound for chronic low-back pain.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Yoga reduces pain and disability at up to 1 year in people with low back pain

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Clin J Pain (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Epidural corticosteroid injections have a small, short-term benefit for leg pain and disability in patients with sciatica

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Ann Intern Med (2012)
  • Evidence Summary

    Acupuncture for chronic nonspecific low back pain.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2020)
  • Evidence Summary

    Motor control exercise for acute non-specific low back pain.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Blog Post

    Getting back at low back pain! Exploring non-medicine and non-surgical treatments

    Interested in non-medicine and non-surgical strategies to treat low back pain? Research highlights what can work.
  • Blog Post

    Rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions and exercise: Getting on track with wearable activity trackers

    We can all use a helping hand from time to time. Being more physically active is one area where some of us need that extra assistance and motivation. Wearable activity trackers may be a source of support for people living with a rheumatic and/or musculoskeletal disease who are looking to increase their activity levels.
  • Blog Post

    What works best for relieving back pain?

    Low back pain can be debilitating but it can be managed with non-drug therapies and medications if needed. What works best? Find out recommendations from recent research evidence.
  • Blog Post

    3 research-based benefits of yoga for healthy aging

    Want to age well? Consider making yoga part of your regular activities.
  • Blog Post

    3 alternative options for pain relief

    Alternative options for managing pain can bring relief without the risks associated with prescription drugs.
  • Blog Post

    Back pain? Try exercise!

    Low back pain can make getting through the day challenging enough without worrying about keeping up your exercise regimen. But before you throw in the (gym) towel, read the latest research about the best types of exercise for relieving back pain.
  • Blog Post

    A pain in the neck! Does a specialized pillow really help?

    Neck pain is a common and disabling health problem that can affect your daily function including sleep. Specialized pillows have been used to help but the recent evidence is limited.
  • Blog Post

    Can yoga relieve the pain and disability associated with low back pain?

    Studies have concluded that yoga is effective in reducing back pain and related disability, particularly in the short term.
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