Assessment
Did You Know?
Worldwide, back pain is the single leading cause of disability, preventing many people from everyday activities. It is expected that 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their life. Back pain can develop anywhere from the neck to lower spine and the pain be localized to spread across a large area. Let's assess what kind of back pain you are experiencing. Start by reading the information below.

What is acute?
Acute Back Pain
Acute pain is an injury sending pain signal through your nervous system. The primary characteristic of acute pain is the connection with this initial injury or illness. Acute pain tends to last a few days to few weeks but no longer than 3 months. The pain tends to resolve on its own within a few days with self-care. There is no loss of function.

What is chronic?
Chronic Back Pain
Pain is said to becomes chronic after three months of continued pain. Your nervous system stays in a state of reactivity after the initial injury has healed. The pain tends can come on quickly or slowly but lasts longer than 12 weeks. The pain comes and goes and is not constant.

Back Pain Assessment
The following questions can help you and your doctor determine what is causing your back pain and the best source of treatment.
- What does the pain feel like? Is it dull, sharp, throbbing, burning, shooting, stabbing? Does it come and go or is it constant?
- When did the pain first begin? Did it come on suddenly or gradually?
- What were you doing when the pain first began?
- Did you have and injury or accident?
- Do you feel the pain anywhere else, such as hip, thigh. leg, or feet?
- Do you feel any numbness, tingling, or experience any weakness or loss of function in your legs?
- What relieves your pain?
- What makes your pain worse?
Next Steps
Resource
Treat
Now that you know what kind of pain and symptoms you are experiencing, let’s explore different treatment options.

Wellness Presentation
Exploring Pain Pathways
Explore these four 30-minute presentations on understanding chronic pain, managing chronic pain through lifestyle changes, and pharmaceutical interventions.
