After browsing myspace looking for a back pain group, i found none. So here I go starting a group that I hope others can find useful. I personally have had 2 back surgeries (currently have my 4th herniated disc) and have dealt with all of the pains and medications and permanent damage. I like to talk to others about their pains and what they do to help their situation. If your looking for a remedy or just want to complain, be my guest...............

Background info on backs and back issues:

Most people will have a minor back problem at one time or another.
Our body movements usually do not cause problems, but it's not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or injury.

Back problems and injuries often occur during sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks, or home projects.

Back pain can cause problems anywhere from the neck to the tailbone (coccyx).

The back includes:

1. The bones and joints of the spine (vertebrae).
2. The discs that separate the vertebrae and absorb shock as you move.
3. The muscles and ligaments that hold the spine together.

Although back pain is often caused by an injury to one or more of the structures of the back, it may have another cause.

Factors that increase your risk for back pain and injury include getting older, having a family history of back pain, sitting for long periods, lifting or pulling heavy objects, or having a degenerative disease such as osteoporosis.

Although, back problems may not be related to an injury at all.

Conditions that weaken the spine, such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, or Paget's disease, can cause back pain. These conditions are most common in older adults. In rare cases, tumors or infections can develop in or around the spine.

Some medical conditions can cause pain to spread to the back from other parts of the body (referred pain). Many health problems that can cause back pain have nothing to do with the bones, joints, muscles, or ligaments of the back.
Spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis (Scheuermann's disease), and spondylolisthesis can cause back pain.
Chronic pain syndrome caused by a previous injury or degenerative disease with aging can cause back pain.

Most back pain will get better and go away by itself in 1 to 4 weeks. Home treatment will often help relieve back pain that is caused by minor injuries. It is usually a good idea to continue your regular activities while your back is healing. Avoid heavy lifting and activities that seem to make your back problems worse.

Other treatments for a back problem or injury may include first aid measures, physical therapy, manipulative therapy (such as chiropractic), medicine, and in some cases, surgery.

Treatment depends on:

1. The location, type, and severity of the injury.
2. Your age, health condition, and activities (such as work, sports, or hobbies).

So, if you have any kind of back problems and want to talk about it then come post. Everybody here has their own unique story to tell and I'm sure we can all learn something off of each other.

There are two rules...

1. Be respectful
2. Don't be an asshole.

And last, but not least, I hope everyone has a pain free day.