Back pain is one of most common reasons people miss days at work. Lower back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp or shooting pain. It can begin suddenly as a result of an accident or by lifting something heavy, or it can develop over time with age. A strenuous workout without proper stretching and warming up can also cause back pain.
There are two types of back pain:
Acute, or short-term back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks. Most low back pain is acute. It tends to resolve on its own within a few days with rest and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some cases, complete recovery may take a few months.
Chronic back pain is defined as pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer. About 20 percent of people affected by acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain with persistent symptoms at one year.
