1. Slideshow: Low Back Pain
2. Take the Back Pain Quiz!
3. Good and Bad Exercises for Low Back Pain

Medical Author:

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Follow-up

Most cases of low back pain resolve spontaneously over several weeks. People who do not improve should continue to follow-up with the doctor to see if further imaging or laboratory studies are necessary.

Prevention

The best method to prevent lumbar disc disease is to maintain adequate conditioning and muscle strength. Use proper lifting mechanics and do not lift heavy objects using the lower back muscles as this places unnecessary stress on the back.

Many cases of lumbar disc disease cannot be prevented because it results from a combination of normal degenerative changes that occur with aging and a genetic predisposition.

Outlook

The outlook for patients with lumbar disc disease is very positive. New advancements in surgical treatments, including the lumbar disc replacement, provide a new tool for surgeons to treat this disorder with less risk of altering the normal mechanical environment of the spine.

Support Groups and Counseling

Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

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