Acute back pain lasts less than 4 weeks, while chronic pain usually continues for more than 12 weeks. Eight out of 10 people will have a problem with back pain at some point in their lives. More serious cases may require surgery. Most people with chronic lower back pain have not injured their back suddenly. Over time the back is subject to repeated stresses and can injure the spine.
People often treat back pain with analgesics and bed rest, but the pain can return.
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