Back Pain Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
There are many causes of pain in the back. Symptoms in the low back can be a result of problems in 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. Pains in the upper back can also be a result of disorders of the aorta, chest tumors, and inflammation of spine.
Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Main Article on Back Pain
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Low Back Pain There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae,...learn more »
Causes of Back Pain
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a ballooning or widening of the main artery (the aorta) as it courses down through the abdomen. Most...learn more »In This ArticleAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm Article- Abdominal aortic aneurysm facts
- What is an aneurysm?
- What is an aortic aneurysm?
- What is the thoracic and abdominal aorta?
- Where do aortic aneurysms tend to develop?
- What shape are most aortic aneurysms?
- What is inside an aortic aneurysm?
- Who is most likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- What are risk factors of aortic aneurysms?
- What is the most common cause of aortic aneurysms?
- What are other causes of aortic aneurysms?
- What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- How is an abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosed clinically?
- What tests help in the diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- What is the natural history of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- What are the complications with an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- How are abdominal aortic aneurysms repaired?
- What is done if an abdominal aortic aneurysm threatens to rupture?
- What is the medical management (nonsurgical management) of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
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Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes chronic inflammation of the spine. The tendency to develop ankylosing...learn more »In This ArticleAnkylosing Spondylitis Article- Ankylosing spondylitis facts
- What is ankylosing spondylitis?
- What causes ankylosing spondylitis?
- What are ankylosing spondylitis symptoms and signs?
- How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?
- What are ankylosing spondylitis treatment options?
- Can ankylosing spondylitis be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
- What is in the future for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
- Where can people find more information about ankylosing spondylitis and learn about support groups?
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Bone Cancer In the U.S., more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with bone cancer every year. There are many types of bone cancer. The most...learn more »In This ArticleBone Cancer Article- Bone cancer facts
- What are bones for?
- What is cancer?
- What causes bone cancer?
- What are bone cancer symptoms and signs?
- How is bone cancer diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for bone cancer?
- What are the side effects of treatment for bone cancer?
- What does the future hold for patients with bone cancer?
- Can bone cancer be prevented?
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Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of...learn more »In This ArticleBone Fracture (Broken Bone) Article- Bone fracture facts
- Introduction and definition of bone fracture
- What causes a bone fracture?
- What are the signs and symptoms of a bone fracture?
- What are common types of bone fractures?
- Broken wrist
- Broken hip
- Broken leg
- Broken shoulder
- Broken hand or fingers
- Open fracture
- Stress fracture
- Compression fracture
- Broken rib
- Skull fracture
- Other fractures
- Bone fracture in children
- How is a bone fracture diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a bone fracture?
- Bone fracture surgery
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Coccydynia Coccydynia is an inflammation of the bony area (tailbone or coccyx) located between the buttocks. Coccydynia is associated with...learn more »In This ArticleCoccydynia Article- What is coccydynia?
- What causes coccydynia?
- How is coccydynia diagnosed?
- How is coccydynia treated?
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Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica Degenerative disc disease makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture) which can lead to localized or radiating pain....learn more »In This ArticleDegenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica Article- Degenerative disc disease and sciatica facts
- How is the spine designed?
- What is the purpose of the spine and its discs?
- What causes degenerative disc disease?
- What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
- What are radiculopathy and sciatica? What are the symptoms?
- How are degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, and sciatica diagnosed?
- How is radiculopathy treated?
- What is bony encroachment and spinal stenosis?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) of degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, and sciatica?
- Can degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, and sciatica be prevented?
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Dengue Fever Dengue fever is contracted from the bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms of dengue include headache, fever,...learn more »In This ArticleDengue Fever Article- Dengue fever facts
- What is dengue fever?
- What geographic areas are at high risk for contracting dengue fever?
- How is dengue fever contracted?
- What are dengue fever symptoms and signs?
- How is dengue fever diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for dengue fever?
- What is the prognosis for typical dengue fever?
- What is dengue hemorrhagic fever?
- How can dengue fever be prevented?
- Where can people get more information on dengue fever?
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Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH or Forestier's disease) is a form of degenerative arthritis. It is characterized...learn more »In This ArticleDiffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Article- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis facts
- What is diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- What causes diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- What are symptoms and signs of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- How is diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?
- Can diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis be prevented?
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Endometriosis Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the...learn more »In This ArticleEndometriosis Article- Endometriosis facts
- What is endometriosis?
- Who is affected by endometriosis?
- What causes endometriosis?
- What are endometriosis symptoms?
- Endometriosis and cancer risk
- How is endometriosis diagnosed?
- How is endometriosis treated?
- Medical treatment of endometriosis
- Surgical treatment of endometriosis
- Treatment of infertility associated with endometriosis
- Related endometriosis article:
Endometriosis - on eMedicineHealth
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Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia, formerly known as fibrositis, causes chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints...learn more »In This ArticleFibromyalgia Article- Fibromyalgia facts
- What is fibromyalgia?
- What causes fibromyalgia?
- Whom does fibromyalgia affect?
- What are fibromyalgia symptoms and signs?
- How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
- Are exercise, stress reduction, or changes in diet helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia?
- What are medications and other forms of treatment for fibromyalgia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with fibromyalgia?
- Can fibromyalgia be prevented?
- What is in the future for fibromyalgia therapy?
- Where can people find more information about fibromyalgia and support groups?
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Herniated Disc A herniated disc may be caused by injury or degeneration from age. Symptoms depend on the location of the herniation and whether...learn more »In This ArticleHerniated Disc Article- Herniated disc facts
- How are the spine and its discs designed?
- What is a herniated disc? What causes it?
- What are symptoms of a herniated disc?
- How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
- How is a herniated disc treated?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for a herniated disc?
- Can a herniated disc be prevented?
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Kidney Stones One in every 20 people develop a kidney stone at some point in their life. A kidney stone is a hard mineral and crystalline...learn more »In This ArticleKidney Stones Article- Kidney stone facts
- What is a kidney stone?
- Who is at risk for kidney stones?
- What causes kidney stones?
- What are the symptoms and signs of kidney stones?
- How are kidney stones diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for kidney stones? How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?
- How can kidney stones be prevented?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for kidney stones?
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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Lumbar stenosis can be caused by degenerative arthritis (the most common cause), tumor, infection, or metabolic disorders...learn more »In This ArticleLumbar Spinal Stenosis Article- Lumbar spinal stenosis facts
- What is the lumbar spine, and what is lumbar spinal stenosis?
- What causes lumbar spinal stenosis?
- What are the signs and symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis?
- How is lumbar spinal stenosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis?
- What can be done to prevent lumbar spinal stenosis?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for lumbar spinal stenosis?
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Neck Pain Neck pain (cervical pain) may be caused by any number of disorders and diseases. Tenderness is another symptom of neck pain....learn more »In This ArticleNeck Pain Article- What is neck pain? What are causes and risk factors for neck pain?
- What are other symptoms that are associated with neck pain?
- What are the structures of the neck?
- How is neck pain diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for neck pain? What are home remedies for neck pain?
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Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Also...learn more »In This ArticleOsteoarthritis Article- Osteoarthritis facts
- What is osteoarthritis?
- What causes osteoarthritis?
- What are osteoarthritis symptoms and signs?
- How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for osteoarthritis?
- "If I have minimal or no symptoms with early signs of osteoarthritis, what should I do?"
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with osteoarthritis?
- Can osteoarthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for osteoarthritis?
- Where can people get more information about osteoarthritis?
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Osteoporosis Learn about osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone...learn more »In This ArticleOsteoporosis Article- Osteoporosis facts
- What is osteoporosis?
- What are osteoporosis symptoms and signs?
- What are the consequences of osteoporosis?
- Why is osteoporosis an important public health issue?
- What factors determine bone strength?
- What are osteoporosis risk factors and causes?
- How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
- Who should have bone density testing?
- What is the treatment for osteoporosis, and can osteoporosis be prevented?
- Exercise, quitting cigarettes, and curtailing alcohol
- Calcium supplements
- Vitamin D
- Hormone therapy (hormone replacement therapy, menopausal replacement therapy)
- Medications that prevent bone loss and breakdown
- Choosing an osteoporosis medication
- Prevention of osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroids
- Monitoring osteoporosis therapy medication
- Prevention of hip fractures in elderly people with osteoporosis
- What are complications of osteoporosis?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with osteoporosis?
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Paget's Disease Paget's disease is a chronic bone disorder due to irregular breakdown and formation of bone tissue. Symptoms of Paget's disease...learn more »In This ArticlePaget's Disease Article- What is Paget's disease?
- What causes Paget's disease?
- What are Paget's disease symptoms?
- How is Paget's disease diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Paget's disease?
- What is the prognosis for Paget's disease?
- Who discovered Paget's disease?
- Where can I find more information about Paget's disease?
- Paget's Disease At A Glance
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Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early...learn more »In This ArticlePancreatic Cancer Article- Pancreatic cancer facts
- What is the pancreas, and what is the function of the pancreas?
- What is cancer?
- What is pancreatic cancer?
- What are pancreatic cancer causes and risk factors?
- What are the symptoms and signs of pancreatic cancer?
- How is the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer made?
- How is pancreatic cancer staged?
- What is the treatment for resectable pancreatic cancer?
- What is the treatment for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer?
- What is the treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer?
- What are side effects of pancreatic cancer treatment?
- What is the prognosis of pancreatic cancer?
- What research is being done on pancreatic cancer?
- Is complimentary or alternative therapy effective in pancreatic cancer treatment?
- Can pancreatic cancer be prevented?
- Where can people get support when coping with pancreatic cancer?
- Where can people find additional information about pancreatic cancer?
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Pregnancy (Week By Week, Trimesters) There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically...learn more »In This ArticlePregnancy (Week By Week, Trimesters) Article- Pregnancy facts*
- Introduction
- What is the first trimester (week 1-week 12)?
- What is the second trimester (week 13-week 28)?
- What is the third trimester (week 29-week 40)?
- How will my baby develop week by week?
- What are the changes that happen to a woman's body during her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy?
- Body aches
- Breast changes
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue, sleep problems
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Hemorrhoids
- Itching
- Leg cramps
- Morning sickness
- Nasal problems
- Numb or tingling hands
- Stretch marks, skin changes
- Swelling
- Urinary frequency and leaking
- Varicose veins
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Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes skin and joint inflammation. Symptoms include painful, stiff, and swollen joints,...learn more »In This ArticlePsoriatic Arthritis Article- Psoriatic arthritis facts
- What is psoriatic arthritis?
- What causes psoriatic arthritis?
- What are psoriatic arthritis symptoms and signs?
- How does the doctor diagnose psoriatic arthritis?
- What is the treatment for psoriatic arthritis?
- Disease-modifying medications
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with psoriatic arthritis?
- Can psoriatic arthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for patients with psoriatic arthritis?
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Reactive Arthritis Reactive arthritis is a chronic, systemic rheumatic disease characterized by three conditions, including conjunctivitis, joint...learn more »In This ArticleReactive Arthritis Article- Reactive arthritis facts
- What is reactive arthritis?
- What causes reactive arthritis?
- What are risk factors for developing reactive arthritis?
- What are reactive arthritis symptoms and signs?
- How is reactive arthritis diagnosed?
- How is reactive arthritis treated?
- What is the prognosis of reactive arthritis?
- Can reactive arthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for reactive arthritis?
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Sciatica Sciatica pain, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, typically radiates from the low back to behind the thigh to below the...learn more »In This ArticleSciatica Article- Sciatica facts
- What is sciatica?
- What are causes of sciatica?
- What are risk factors for sciatica?
- What are sciatica symptoms?
- How is sciatica diagnosed?
- What are treatment options for sciatica?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with sciatica?
- Can sciatica be prevented?
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Scoliosis Scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. When the cause of scoliosis is unknown the disorder is described based on...learn more »In This ArticleScoliosis Article- Scoliosis facts
- What is scoliosis?
- What causes scoliosis?
- What are the symptoms and signs of scoliosis?
- How is scoliosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for scoliosis?
- What is the prognosis for scoliosis?
- Is there a cure for scoliosis?
- Where can people get more information on scoliosis?
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Shingles Shingles (herpes zoster) is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Under certain circumstances, such as...learn more »In This ArticleShingles Article- Shingles facts
- What is shingles? What causes shingles?
- What are shingles symptoms and signs? How long does shingles last?
- How long is shingles contagious?
- How is shingles diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for shingles? Should I visit my health care professional?
- What are the complications of shingles?
- What is postherpetic neuralgia?
- Can shingles be prevented with a vaccine?
- What are potential side effects of the shingles vaccine?
- Is shingles dangerous in pregnant women?
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Sprains and Strains An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be...learn more »In This ArticleSprains and Strains Article- Muscle sprains and strains facts
- What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
- What causes a sprain or strain?
- Where do sprains and strains usually occur?
- What are sprain symptoms and signs?
- How are sprains and strains diagnosed?
- How are sprains and strains treated?
- What is the recovery time for sprains and strains?
- Can sprains and strains be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of sprains and strains?
- Where can people find more information about sprains and strains?
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Typhus Typhus is a disease caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Symptoms and signs include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and...learn more »In This ArticleTyphus Article- Typhus facts
- What is typhus? Are there different types of typhus?
- What is the history of typhus?
- What causes typhus? How is typhus transmitted?
- What are typhus risk factors?
- What are typhus symptoms and signs?
- How is typhus diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for typhus?
- What is the prognosis of typhus?
- Can typhus be prevented?
- Where can people get more information about typhus?
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Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is the most common type of infection acquired by patients while hospitalized....learn more »In This ArticleVancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) Article- What are vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)?
- What causes a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- What are risk factors for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections?
- How are vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) transmitted?
- What are the symptoms and signs of a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- How is a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- What is the prognosis of a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- Can vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections be prevented?
- What precautions should people take when tending to someone with a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infection?
- What research is being done on vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)?
- Where can people find more information on vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections?
- Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) At A Glance
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Yellow Fever Yellow fever is an infectious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Side effects are rare with the yellow fever vaccine....learn more »In This ArticleYellow Fever Article- What is yellow fever? What is the history of yellow fever?
- What causes yellow fever?
- How is yellow fever transmitted?
- What areas are high-risk for contracting yellow fever?
- What is the incubation period for yellow fever?
- What are yellow fever symptoms and signs?
- How is yellow fever diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for yellow fever?
- What is the prognosis for people with yellow fever?
- Can yellow fever be prevented?
- Where can people get more information on yellow fever?
- Yellow Fever At A Glance
Other Causes of Back Pain
- Bleeding Into Pelvis
- Dissection Of The Aorta
- Infection of the Spine or Pelvis
- Metastatic Cancer (Cancer that has spread to the spine from elsewhere)
- Muscle Spasm
- Virus Infections
Examples of Medications for Back Pain
- carisoprodol, Soma
- celecoxib, Celebrex
- codeine
- cyclobenzaprine, Flexeril, Amrix
- diflunisal, Dolobid
- fenoprofen, Nalfon
- flurbiprofen, Ansaid
- hydrocodone and ibuprofen, Vicoprofen
- hydrocodone/acetaminophen, Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Anexsia, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Norco
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.
- ketoprofen None (Note: previous brand names no longer available in the US include Orudis, Oruvail)
- nabumetone, Relafen (Discontinued)
- naproxen, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
- piroxicam, Feldene
- propoxyphene, Darvon, Darvon-N, Dolene
- tolmetin, Tolectin (Discontinued Brand)
- tramadol, Ultram, Ultram ER
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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