This is one of the most common conditions presented to physicians. Low back pain is a societal problem of unprecedented proportions. Low back pain can be acute (less than six weeks duration) or chronic (lasting more than six months). In younger adults, low back pain is mostly triggered by trauma or substantial injury. In older patients, degenerative changes in the spine are the most common cause of chronic low back pain. Most of the acute back pain improves by simple treatments over 4-6 weeks. Recurrent episodes of low back pain are common. In rare instances, sudden onset of back pain may be a serious sign of underlying disease and needs quick attention. The most common causes of low back pain or neck pain include:

• Disc disease and herniation
• Facet joint pain
• Degenerative changes in the spine
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Spinal canal stenosis
• Failed back syndrome
• Myofascial pain

Treatment options range from simple heat and cold application to surgery. It is reasonable to maximize all the treatment options including medication and interventional procedures.