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Print ArticleBack Pain Health Center
Overview & Facts
Back pain may be mild or extreme, quick or constant. What raises your risk -- and what can you do about it? Learn about back pain’s causes, risks, and prevention.
What Is Back Pain?
Learn about the spine and get basic information on back pain.
Causes
Did you hurt your back playing sports or showing off your disco moves? Or was it an accident, illness, or being overweight?
Find out about common causes of low back pain.
Problems with the spine’s discs may play a role in back pain.
Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, can involve the spine.
If the spinal canal narrows, back pain may result.
Learn about ankylosing spondylitis, a spine condition that causes back pain.
Are You at Risk?
Explore the risk factors for low back pain.
Pregnant with an aching back? Many pregnant women can relate. Here’s help.
Prevention
Use these tips at home, work, and play to guard your back.
This video shows you how to pack and travel to keep your back healthy.
Strengthening back muscles and other strategies can help, especially with spine osteoporosis.
A test that's been around since World War 2 is making a comeback. It could possibly help you to avoid back surgery.
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