Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor and ranges from mild and temporary discomfort to severe, ongoing pain that affects your daily life.3 There are two types of back pain:3 Acute. Short-term back pain, called acute back pain, resolves within a few days to a few weeks. For most people, lower back pain is acute and resolves on its own. Over-the-counter pain relief can help soothe acute symptoms while you recover. Chronic Lower back pain that persists for longer than 12 weeks is defined as chronic back pain. Even after the initial injury or cause of back pain has been treated, some people experience chronic pain. Of all people affected by acute back pain, 20% will develop chronic back pain. While persistent pain may signal a more serious issue, sometimes there is no underlying cause to identify or treat. Treatment options can help ease symptoms even if they don’t entirely resolve them. If back pain becomes chronic, you should speak with your doctor.