Back pain and other forms of chronic pain is a condition that plagues millions of American adults every year. Pain from arthritis, back problems, musculoskeletal conditions and headaches costs U.S. businesses more than $61 billion a year in lost worker productivity.

In a 3-month period, about one-fourth of U.S. adults experience one day of back pain. It is one of the biggest medical problems that affects today's society. Back pain can be divided into two different forms: acute and chronic back pain. Acute back pain often results from injury and comes on quickly while leaving just as quickly. This type of pain may result from falling from a ladder, being tackled on the football field, or lifting a load that is too heavy and should last no longer than six weeks.

Chronic pain, may arrive quickly or slowly and remains for a long period of time. Pain that lasts longer than three months is considered chronic. While chronic back pain is less common, it can be more debilitating.

Causes of back pain can range from varying injuries or accidents to genetics or even some diseases like fibromyalgia or conditions like scoliosis.