Building a Positive Health Human Future with Technology

Symptom Checker


Step4: Read and complete the decision guide to learn more about your symptoms.


Low Back Pain


Based on your answers, some of the most likely causes of your back pain include


  • degenerative joint disease (also called osteoarthritis)


  • disk disease


  • sciatica


  • spinal stenosis


  • muscle strain or spasm.


Less likely is a fracture (as may occur with osteoporosis or slippage of one vertebra on the one above or below it). It's also possible that you have some combination of these or a rarer cause of back pain.


While over-the-counter pain medicines, a heating pad, and rest (balanced with activity) may be helpful, it is important that you see your physician to evaluate these symptoms, especially if you are not improving over a number of weeks.

Click here for more information on these conditions and others.




Related Documents


Acute Low Back Pain

Back Pain

Back Pain in Children

Back Pain in Older Children and Adolescents

Chronic Back Pain

Low Back Strain