Chronic Back Problems Description: Back pain is the fifth most common reason for visiting a physician. Low back pain may be acute or chronic. Just getting older is a major risk factor for back problems; so are improper exercise, overexertion in handling objects and in certain occupations, and sedentary living. Symptoms: With certain warning signs a patient should see a physician immediately for low back pain. Dull back pain, weakness or numbness in the buttocks, genital area, or thigh and an inability to control urination or defecation could indicate cauda equina syndrome, which can cause permanent incontinence if not promptly treated with surgery. Pain accompanied by fever can indicate an infection. Pain that lasts for a month, unexplained fever or weight loss, and a history of cancer may indicate a tumor. Long-term problems/treatments: Recurrence is common after a first episode of back pain. In one survey, over a one-year period following treatment only 21% of patients had no back pain; over four years, less than half were symptom-free. Directory List Choose an illness from the menu below: Select here Allergies Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Asthma Bipolar disorder Chronic back problems Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive        pulmonary disease Cirrhosis Depression Developmental disabilities Diabetes Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Glaucoma Hearing impairment Heart disease Hepatitis C High blood pressure Human Immunodeficiency        Virus (HIV) Kidney disease Lou Gehrig's disease Lupus Lyme disease Migraine Multiple sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Orthopedic Impairments Osteoporosis Paralysis of the extremities Parkinson's disease Psoriasis Schizophrenia Sinusitis Stroke Thyroid condition         Previous      Next Home | Awareness | Patient Files | The Challenge | Your Stories | Outreach | Resources About the Program | About Fred Friendly Seminars | Our Partners | Site Map | Credits © 2001 Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.