In this Article

• What is the anatomy of the low back?
• What is the function of the low back?
• What are common causes of low back pain?
• What are other causes of low back pain?
• What are uncommon causes of low back pain?
• How is low back pain treated?
• Low Back Pain At A Glance
• Back Pain - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Lower Back Pain - Effective Treatments
• Low Back Pain Glossary
• Low Back Pain Index

How is low back pain treated?

So, how is low back pain treated? Well, as described above, the treatment very much depends on the precise cause of the low back pain. Moreover, each patient must be individually evaluated and managed in the context of the underlying background health status and activity level.

As was recently highlighted by research presented at the national meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, a very important aspect of the individual evaluation is the patient's own perception of their particular situation. Researchers from Britain found that those who believed that their symptoms had serious consequences on their lives and that they had, or treatments had, little control over their symptoms were more likely to have a poor outcome. This research points out to physicians the importance of addressing the concerns and perceptions that patients have about their condition during the initial evaluations.

Finally, it should be noted that the conditions listed above are intended for general review. There are many other causes of back pain that have not been discussed.

Low Back Pain At A Glance

• Functions of the low back, or lumbar area, include structural support, movement, and protection of certain body tissues.
• Symptoms in the low back can relate to 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.
• Treatment of low back pain is directed toward a diagnosed or suspected cause.

References:

Clinical Primer of Rheumatology, Lippincott Williams & Wilkens, edited by William Koopman, et al., 2003.

Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, W B Saunders Co, edited by Shaun Ruddy, et al., 2000.

American College of Rheumatology, Annual Scientific Meeting, 2007.

Lower Back Pain - Effective Treatments

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