Although it makes sense to try to figure out the
cause of your back pain, in many cases the cause will remain uncertain. You and your health-care provider will shift the focus from diagnosing to treating the pain.
Often, symptoms tend to improve by themselves in a matter of weeks; when pain persists, however, there are a few simple measures that can be taken to treat back pain of any cause that isn't life-threatening. For these reasons,
conservative treatment (that is, nonsurgical approaches, such as painkillers and rest) can start even before the evaluation is complete.
For low back pain that persists even after conservative treatment, it's a good idea to work with your health-care provider to determine the best approach to combat your pain.
Several options are available for those who experience no pain relief over time.
