The North American Spine Society (NASS) promotes education, research, and advocacy for spine care. This group's patient education website (www.KnowYourBack.org) has information on the cause, treatment, and prevention of neck and back problems. It has references and brochures to help patients make health decisions. NASS members are spine care professionals such as orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, physiatrists, physical therapists, and researchers.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) provides information and education to raise the public's awareness of musculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on preventive measures. The AAOS website contains information on orthopedic conditions and treatments, injury prevention, and wellness and exercise.

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR) is the medical society for the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation. The Web site includes a directory of member PM&R physicians (physiatrists) that can be searched by last name, location, or telephone number.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a national organization representing nearly 70,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research. The APTA also provides information and education to the public about physical therapy and how it is used to treat certain conditions.

The National Pain Foundation (NPF) promotes the recovery of persons in pain. NPF's website provides information and resources in an interactive way that encourages patients to take an active role in managing their chronic pain. The My Pain section of the website includes a Personal Inventory section to help pain patients identify the information they need to manage their pain.

The NPF has information about pain conditions such as arthritis, back and neck pain, and cancer pain. The NPF addresses the many approaches to pain management, such as medicines, injections, surgery, acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, and physical therapy. The NPF also provides support for the special needs of children in pain and information about psychological factors related to pain. The website also provides information on clinical trials that are studying pain management and treatment.