Back Pain Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
There are many causes of pain in the back. Symptoms in the low back can be a result of problems in the bony
lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal
cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and
the skin covering the lumbar area. Pains in the upper back can also be a result of disorders of the aorta, chest tumors, and inflammation of spine.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Main Article on Back Pain
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Low Back Pain
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae,...learn more »
Causes of Back Pain
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In This Article
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Article
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm facts
- What is an aneurysm?
- What is an aortic aneurysm?
- What is the thoracic and abdominal aorta?
- Where do aortic aneurysms tend to develop?
- What shape are most aortic aneurysms?
- What is inside an aortic aneurysm?
- Who is most likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- What are risk factors of aortic aneurysms?
- What is the most common cause of aortic aneurysms?
- What are other causes of aortic aneurysms?
- What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- How is an abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosed clinically?
- What tests help in the diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- What is the natural history of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- What are the complications with an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- How are abdominal aortic aneurysms repaired?
- What is done if an abdominal aortic aneurysm threatens to rupture?
- What is the medical management (nonsurgical management) of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
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In This Article
Ankylosing Spondylitis Article
- Ankylosing spondylitis facts
- What is ankylosing spondylitis?
- What causes ankylosing spondylitis?
- What are ankylosing spondylitis symptoms and signs?
- How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?
- What are ankylosing spondylitis treatment options?
- Can ankylosing spondylitis be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
- What is in the future for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
- Where can people find more information about ankylosing spondylitis and learn about support groups?
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Bone Cancer
In the U.S., more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with bone cancer every year. There are many types of bone cancer. The most...learn more »
In This Article
Bone Cancer Article
- Bone cancer facts
- What are bones for?
- What is cancer?
- What causes bone cancer?
- What are bone cancer symptoms and signs?
- How is bone cancer diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for bone cancer?
- What are the side effects of treatment for bone cancer?
- What does the future hold for patients with bone cancer?
- Can bone cancer be prevented?
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In This Article
Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Article
- Bone fracture facts
- Introduction and definition of bone fracture
- What causes a bone fracture?
- What are the signs and
symptoms of a bone fracture?
- What are common types of bone fractures?
- Broken wrist
- Broken hip
- Broken leg
- Broken shoulder
- Broken hand or fingers
- Open fracture
- Stress fracture
- Compression fracture
- Broken rib
- Skull fracture
- Other fractures
- Bone fracture in children
- How is a bone fracture diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a bone fracture?
- Bone fracture surgery
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Coccydynia
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In This Article
Coccydynia Article
- What is coccydynia?
- What causes coccydynia?
- How is coccydynia diagnosed?
- How is coccydynia treated?
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In This Article
Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica Article
- Degenerative disc disease and sciatica facts
- How is the spine designed?
- What is the purpose of the spine and its discs?
- What causes degenerative disc disease?
- What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
- What are radiculopathy and sciatica? What are the symptoms?
- How are degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, and sciatica diagnosed?
- How is radiculopathy treated?
- What is bony encroachment and spinal stenosis?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) of degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, and sciatica?
- Can degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, and sciatica be prevented?
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Dengue Fever
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Dengue Fever Article
- Dengue fever facts
- What is dengue fever?
- What geographic areas are at high risk for contracting dengue fever?
- How is dengue fever contracted?
- What are dengue fever symptoms and signs?
- How is dengue fever diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for dengue fever?
- What is the prognosis for typical dengue fever?
- What is dengue hemorrhagic fever?
- How can dengue fever be prevented?
- Where can people get more information on dengue fever?
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In This Article
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Article
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis facts
- What is diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- What causes diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- What are symptoms and signs of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- How is diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- Can diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis be prevented?
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Endometriosis
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In This Article
Endometriosis Article
- Endometriosis facts
- What is endometriosis?
- Who is affected by endometriosis?
- What causes endometriosis?
- What are endometriosis symptoms?
- Endometriosis and cancer risk
- How is endometriosis diagnosed?
- How is endometriosis treated?
- Medical treatment of endometriosis
- Surgical treatment of endometriosis
- Treatment of infertility associated with endometriosis
- Related endometriosis article:
Endometriosis - on eMedicineHealth
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Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, formerly
known as fibrositis, causes chronic pain, stiffness, and
tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints...learn more »
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Fibromyalgia Article
- Fibromyalgia facts
- What is fibromyalgia?
- What causes fibromyalgia?
- Whom does fibromyalgia affect?
- What are fibromyalgia symptoms and signs?
- How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
- Are exercise, stress reduction, or changes in diet helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia?
- What are medications and other forms of treatment for fibromyalgia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with fibromyalgia?
- Can fibromyalgia be prevented?
- What is in the future for fibromyalgia therapy?
- Where can people find more information about fibromyalgia and support groups?
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Herniated Disc
A herniated disc may be caused by injury or degeneration from age. Symptoms depend on the location of the herniation and whether...learn more »
In This Article
Herniated Disc Article
- Herniated disc facts
- How are the spine and its discs designed?
- What is a herniated disc? What causes it?
- What are symptoms of a herniated disc?
- How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
- How is a herniated disc treated?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for a herniated disc?
- Can a herniated disc be prevented?
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Kidney Stones
One in every 20 people develop a kidney stone at some point in their life. A kidney stone is a hard mineral and crystalline...learn more »
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Kidney Stones Article
- Kidney stone facts
- What is a kidney stone?
- Who is at risk for kidney stones?
- What causes kidney stones?
- What are the symptoms and signs of kidney stones?
- How are kidney stones diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for kidney stones? How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?
- How can kidney stones be prevented?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for kidney stones?
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In This Article
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Article
- Lumbar spinal stenosis facts
- What is the lumbar spine, and what is lumbar spinal stenosis?
- What causes lumbar spinal stenosis?
- What are the signs and symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis?
- How is lumbar spinal stenosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis?
- What can be done to prevent lumbar spinal stenosis?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for lumbar spinal stenosis?
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Neck Pain
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Neck Pain Article
- What is neck pain? What are causes and risk factors for neck pain?
- What are other symptoms that are associated with neck pain?
- What are the structures of the neck?
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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of
cartilage in the joints. Also...learn more »
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Osteoarthritis Article
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- "If I have minimal or no symptoms with early signs of osteoarthritis, what should I do?"
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with osteoarthritis?
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Osteoporosis
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Osteoporosis Article
- Osteoporosis facts
- What is osteoporosis?
- What are osteoporosis symptoms and signs?
- What are the consequences of osteoporosis?
- Why is osteoporosis an important public health issue?
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- How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
- Who should have bone density testing?
- What is the treatment for osteoporosis, and can osteoporosis be prevented?
- Exercise, quitting cigarettes, and curtailing alcohol
- Calcium supplements
- Vitamin D
- Hormone therapy (hormone replacement
therapy, menopausal replacement therapy)
- Medications that prevent bone loss and breakdown
- Choosing an osteoporosis medication
- Prevention of osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroids
- Monitoring osteoporosis therapy medication
- Prevention of hip fractures in elderly people with
osteoporosis
- What are complications of osteoporosis?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with osteoporosis?
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Paget's Disease
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Paget's Disease Article
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- Who discovered Paget's disease?
- Where can I find more information about Paget's disease?
- Paget's Disease At A Glance
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Pancreatic Cancer
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Pancreatic Cancer Article
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- What is the pancreas, and what is the function of the pancreas?
- What is cancer?
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- What are the symptoms and signs of pancreatic cancer?
- How is the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer made?
- How is pancreatic cancer staged?
- What is the treatment for resectable pancreatic cancer?
- What is the treatment for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer?
- What is the treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer?
- What are side effects of pancreatic cancer treatment?
- What is the prognosis of pancreatic cancer?
- What research is being done on pancreatic cancer?
- Is complimentary or alternative therapy effective in pancreatic cancer treatment?
- Can pancreatic cancer be prevented?
- Where can people get support when coping with pancreatic cancer?
- Where can people find additional information about pancreatic cancer?
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In This Article
Pregnancy (Week By Week, Trimesters) Article
- Pregnancy facts*
- Introduction
- What is the first trimester (week 1-week 12)?
- What is the second trimester (week 13-week 28)?
- What is the third trimester (week 29-week 40)?
- How will my baby develop week by week?
- What are the changes that happen to a woman's body during
her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy?
- Body aches
- Breast changes
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue, sleep problems
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Hemorrhoids
- Itching
- Leg cramps
- Morning sickness
- Nasal problems
- Numb or tingling hands
- Stretch marks, skin changes
- Swelling
- Urinary frequency and leaking
- Varicose veins
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Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes skin and joint inflammation. Symptoms include painful, stiff, and swollen joints,...learn more »
In This Article
Psoriatic Arthritis Article
- Psoriatic arthritis facts
- What is psoriatic arthritis?
- What causes psoriatic arthritis?
- What are psoriatic arthritis symptoms and signs?
- How does the doctor diagnose psoriatic arthritis?
- What is the treatment for psoriatic arthritis?
- Disease-modifying medications
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- Can psoriatic arthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for patients with psoriatic arthritis?
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Reactive Arthritis
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In This Article
Reactive Arthritis Article
- Reactive arthritis facts
- What is reactive arthritis?
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- What are risk factors for developing reactive arthritis?
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- How is reactive arthritis diagnosed?
- How is reactive arthritis treated?
- What is the prognosis of reactive arthritis?
- Can reactive arthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for reactive arthritis?
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Sciatica
Sciatica pain, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, typically radiates from the low back to behind the thigh to below the...learn more »
In This Article
Sciatica Article
- Sciatica facts
- What is sciatica?
- What are causes of sciatica?
- What are risk factors for sciatica?
- What are sciatica symptoms?
- How is sciatica diagnosed?
- What are treatment options for sciatica?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with sciatica?
- Can sciatica be prevented?
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Scoliosis
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In This Article
Scoliosis Article
- Scoliosis facts
- What is scoliosis?
- What causes scoliosis?
- What are the symptoms and signs of scoliosis?
- How is scoliosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for scoliosis?
- What is the prognosis for scoliosis?
- Is there a cure for scoliosis?
- Where can people get more information on scoliosis?
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Shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Under certain circumstances, such as...learn more »
In This Article
Shingles Article
- Shingles facts
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- What are shingles symptoms and signs? How long does shingles last?
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- What are the complications of shingles?
- What is postherpetic neuralgia?
- Can shingles be prevented with a vaccine?
- What are potential side effects of the shingles vaccine?
- Is shingles dangerous in pregnant women?
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Sprains and Strains
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be...learn more »
In This Article
Sprains and Strains Article
- Muscle sprains and strains facts
- What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
- What causes a sprain or strain?
- Where do sprains and strains usually occur?
- What are sprain symptoms and signs?
- How are sprains and strains diagnosed?
- How are sprains and strains treated?
- What is the recovery time for sprains and strains?
- Can sprains and strains be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of sprains and strains?
- Where can people find more information about sprains and strains?
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Typhus
Typhus is a disease caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Symptoms and signs include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and...learn more »
In This Article
Typhus Article
- Typhus facts
- What is typhus? Are there different types of typhus?
- What is the history of typhus?
- What causes typhus? How is typhus transmitted?
- What are typhus risk factors?
- What are typhus symptoms and signs?
- How is typhus diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for typhus?
- What is the prognosis of typhus?
- Can typhus be prevented?
- Where can people get more information about typhus?
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In This Article
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) Article
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- What causes a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- What are risk factors for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections?
- How are vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) transmitted?
- What are the symptoms and signs of a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- How is a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- What is the prognosis of a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- Can vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections be prevented?
- What precautions should people take when tending to someone with a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infection?
- What research is being done on vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)?
- Where can people find more information on vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
infections?
- Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) At A Glance
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Yellow Fever
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Yellow Fever Article
- What is yellow fever? What is the history of yellow fever?
- What causes yellow fever?
- How is yellow fever transmitted?
- What areas are high-risk for contracting yellow fever?
- What is the incubation period for yellow fever?
- What are yellow fever symptoms and signs?
- How is yellow fever diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for yellow fever?
- What is the prognosis for people with yellow fever?
- Can yellow fever be prevented?
- Where can people get more information on yellow fever?
- Yellow Fever At A Glance
Other Causes of Back Pain
Examples of Medications for Back Pain
- carisoprodol, Soma
- celecoxib, Celebrex
- codeine
- cyclobenzaprine, Flexeril, Amrix
- diflunisal, Dolobid
- fenoprofen, Nalfon
- flurbiprofen, Ansaid
- hydrocodone and ibuprofen, Vicoprofen
- hydrocodone/acetaminophen, Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Anexsia, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Norco
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.
- ketoprofen None (Note: previous brand names no longer available in the US include Orudis, Oruvail)
- nabumetone, Relafen (Discontinued)
- naproxen, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
- piroxicam, Feldene
- propoxyphene, Darvon, Darvon-N, Dolene
- tolmetin, Tolectin (Discontinued Brand)
- tramadol, Ultram, Ultram ER
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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