Back Pain Articles

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to back pain including topics such as chiropractic, back exercises, and sciatica. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Descriptions of Featured Back Pain Articles

Back Pain

Although most people will not need to see a doctor for back pain, numbness and tingling could be signs of a more serious condition. This segment of the eMedTV website discusses symptoms, treatment, and types of back pain, including acute and chronic.

Sciatica

Sciatica, as this eMedTV Web page explains, is a serious condition that can cause numbness and some loss of motor control over the leg. This page also describes the symptoms, causes, and factors that can affect treatment.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 50. This eMedTV article examines this common ailment in detail, which can be due to the aging process, but can also be a result of sedentary lifestyles with too little exercise.

Spinal Stenosis

As this eMedTV article explains, a person with spinal stenosis may experience pain as a result of pressure on the spinal cord. This article takes an in-depth look at this condition, including what causes certain areas of the spine to narrow.

Chiropractic

This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at chiropractic care, which entails hands-on therapy called manipulation. Licensing requirements, the goals of treatment, and various statistics are also provided.

Flexeril

Flexeril is a drug that is often prescribed for the temporary treatment of muscle spasms. This eMedTV page gives an overview of Flexeril and describes how it works, explains what you should know before taking it, and lists possible side effects.

Skelaxin

Skelaxin is a drug approved to treat muscle spasms due to injuries or other muscle problems. This eMedTV Web article describes how Skelaxin works, explains what you should know before taking the prescription drug, and lists possible side effects.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that can result in symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and headache. This eMedTV selection offers an overview of whiplash, including information on its treatment, prognosis, and other symptoms.

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is caused when the muscle with the same name compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve. This eMedTV article describes the symptoms and treatment options for this condition, which is a rare neuromuscular disorder.

Lower Back Pain Relief

People seeking lower back pain relief may try medications, complementary/alternative methods, or surgery. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at these and other pain-relief techniques, including ice and heat, bed rest, and exercise.

Ultracet

Ultracet is a prescription medicine licensed to treat short-term pain. This eMedTV Web page further explains what Ultracet is used for, describes how it works, offers dosing information for the drug, and lists possible side effects that may occur.

Back Exercises

Back exercises such as partial sit-ups and bridges can reduce a person's risk of developing lower back pain. This eMedTV article includes information and pictures on the correct way to perform back exercises, which will help prevent lower back pain.

Back Surgery

Back surgery is only used when other treatments have failed or if back pain is caused by a tumor, an infection, or a nerve root problem. This eMedTV article describes why people may need back surgery, such as those with a herniated disc or sciatica.

Back Pain Treatment

Common non-surgical chronic back pain treatment options include hot or cold packs, exercise, and medications. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at the various treatments for back pain, including complementary and alternative therapy.

Soma

Soma is a form of muscle relaxant that is available by prescription only. This eMedTV article describes how Soma works to treat muscle spasms, explains how and when to use the drug, and lists potential side effects that may occur with treatment.

Kadian

Kadian is a prescription medication that is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. This eMedTV resource explains how Kadian works, describes its effects, offers dosing information for the drug, and lists side effects that may occur.

Sciatica Symptoms

The severity of sciatica symptoms depends on how much of the sciatic nerve is compressed. This eMedTV article highlights both common and severe signs and symptoms of sciatica, ranging from burning low back pain to loss of muscle control.

Ultracet Withdrawal

An Ultracet (tramadol/acetaminophen) withdrawal could cause diarrhea, hallucinations, and anxiety. This eMedTV article lists other possible Ultracet withdrawal symptoms and explains how you can minimize your risks of experiencing a withdrawal.

Sciatica Pain Relief

This section of the eMedTV Web site provides a detailed look at options for sciatica pain relief, which include hot and cold compresses, pain-relieving medications, minimal bed rest, physical therapy, and surgery.

Back Pain Medication

Analgesic back pain medications, such as aspirin and acetaminophen, are designed specifically to reduce pain. This eMedTV article discusses the types of prescribed and over-the-counter back pain medicines that are used as a treatment for back pain.