Back Pain

[DEFINITION]

• The backbone is made up of small bones called vertebrae. A spinal segment is composed of two vertebrae, the intervertebral disk between the two vertebra, the two nerve roots that leave the spinal cord, one from each side.

  Back pain is a symptom that can arise from many causes. Many cases of back pain are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. One of factor is increases both the weight on the spine and the pressure on the discs. A low back problem may come on suddenly or gradually.

  Many people may not need to see a health care provider right away. Often, within a few days, the symptoms go away without any treatment. A visit to your health care provider is a good idea if symptoms are severe, the pain is keeping you from doing things that you do every day, the problem does not go away within a few days.

  If any of the additional symptoms listed below are present, the problem is more serious and a health care professional should be consulted.

  Leg or Foot Pain Leg or Foot Numbness Leg or Foot Weakness