Back pain is common&mdash;in fact, 1 in 4 American adults has experienced back pain in the past three months. So it&rsquo;s a good idea to know some facts about this common condition.
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<h2>5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BACK PAIN</h2>
1. You probably won&rsquo;t need imaging tests, like x-rays or MRIs. Most people don&rsquo;t need them to recover from back pain. 
2. You shouldn&rsquo;t rest a sore back for more than a few days. Staying out of bed and walking a little may actually speed your recovery. 
3. Back pain disrupts daily lives. It&rsquo;s a leading cause of missed workdays.
4. Self-care may help. Doctors often suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, heating pads or ice packs.
5. Smoking contributes to back pain. It reduces circulation to the spine.


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Although back pain often eases on its own, you may need to see a doctor in some cases. <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Story.aspx?StoryID=c7762266-297b-4999-9763-b169e3e3a809">Take this assessment</a> to help you decide when to do so.

Reviewed 6/2/2023
Sources
<ul>
 <li style="text-align: left;">FamilyDoctor.org. "Low Back Pain."&nbsp; 
 <a href="https://familydoctor.org/condition/low-back-pain/" target="_blank">https://familydoctor.org/condition/low-back-pain/</a>.</li>
 <li style="text-align: left;">National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "Low Back Pain Fact Sheet."&nbsp; 
 <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/low-back-pain-fact-sheet" target="_blank">https://www.ninds.nih.gov/low-back-pain-fact-sheet</a>.</li>
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5 facts about back pain