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Related Concept Videos

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature01:16

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature

The vertebral column or spine is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and  allows for their movements. It also protects the spinal cord.
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
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Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
Bone Disorders01:29

Bone Disorders

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction01:27

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Abdominal Regions and Quadrants01:19

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
06:28

Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation

Published on: December 13, 2024

Back pain in adults.

Jonathan A Becker1, Jessica R Stumbo

  • 1Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, Jewish Hospital and University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA. jon.becker@louisville.edu

Primary Care
|May 15, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review summarizes adult back pain causes, diagnostic red flags, and evidence-based treatments. It covers differential diagnoses, physical exams, and therapeutic options like physical therapy and medication.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Pain Management
  • Primary Care

Background:

  • Back pain is a prevalent condition in adults, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its diverse etiologies.
  • Identifying 'red flags' during patient history and physical examination is crucial for detecting serious underlying causes of low back pain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the causes of back pain in adults.
  • To detail diagnostic approaches, including history, physical examination, and differential diagnoses.
  • To summarize evidence-based therapeutic options and indications for surgical referral.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on back pain.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and red flag indicators.
  • Evaluation of evidence supporting various treatment modalities.

Main Results:

  • Multiple factors contribute to adult back pain, ranging from mechanical issues to systemic diseases.
  • Key historical and physical examination findings aid in differentiating common from serious causes.
  • A wide array of treatments, including conservative management and interventional procedures, demonstrate varying degrees of efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis of back pain requires careful patient evaluation, including attention to red flags.
  • Evidence-based therapeutic strategies should guide treatment selection for adult back pain.
  • Timely surgical referral is indicated for specific conditions unresponsive to conservative care.