Introduction

Other than headache, low back pain sends more people to the doctor than any other painful ailment. Around 80% of us will spend some time flat on our back because of back pain--making it one of America's major health problems. It is also a problem that is generally misunderstood.

The misunderstanding starts with the pain itself. Back pain is deceiving. What might feel like a strained muscle may actually be a ruptured disc or a mechanical joint problem. The fact is, you can't tell what's wrong with your back by the pain. That's why so many people get into trouble. They think they're treating one problem when they might be aggravating what is actually wrong. The result--they end up with a much more serious problem than they started out with.

When someone's back starts hurting, it is usually assumed that there is a disc problem. Contrary to popular belief, most back problems are not directly related to the disc alone. And, for the record, THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A SLIPPED DISC. Discs can be injured and insulted. They can rupture and herniate. But, they never, never slip!

This booklet briefly answers some of the more commonly-asked questions about low back ailment; explains how problems are identified and treated, and suggests ways to prevent low back problems.

Table of Contents

Introduction
NEXT: CAUSES OF LOW BACK PAIN
DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM
TREATMENT FOR LOW BACK PAIN
PREVENTING LOW BACK PAIN