Most of us at some time suffer from an episode of back pain. Fortunately most episodes of back pain resolve quickly with simple common sense measures.

When back pain persists and becomes disabling then there are several possible sources of the pain. These include the discs, vertebrae, facet joints, ligaments and muscles. The source of the pain is best determined by clinical examination. Imaging studies such as an MRI can also add useful information.

Once a clinical impression of the source of the pain is obtained a plan to deal with the pain can be put in place.