1. Many of us will experience significant back pain at some time in our lives. Most of us recover and move on with our lives with little or no problem.
2. Less than 5% of people with back problems require surgery.
3. Back pain can be separated into two major categories:
   1. Acute or recent back pain that is less than six months from the onset
   2. Chronic back pain that persists longer than six months
4. Treatment for chronic pain differs from treatment for acute pain. (Hurt vs. Harm)
5. Patients with chronic pain report that they have not responded well to:
   1. Taking pain medication for extended periods of time
   2. Extended periods of non-physical activity
   3. Passive therapies such as traction, stimulators (TENS), chiropractic, and massage
   4. Excessive use of cold or heat packs
   Treatments such as these are often not enough to help improve a chronic pain condition.
6. In general, people with acute back pain represent the vast majority of those who experience back problems. People with chronic back pain, although a very small group of people with back pain, represent by far the most frustrating and costly back problems.
7. Often patients with persistent back pain see many different medical professionals, hear confusing and, sometimes, conflicting stories about the cause of their pain and often feel that others think it is “all in their head.” Understandably, individuals with long-standing back pain may become angry, depressed, frustrated and stressed by the personal and financial crisis long-term pain can cause.

The first step in proper treatment of a back problem is to understand the difference between chronic and acute pain and then work with members of a certified rehabilitation team on developing an effective treatment plan.

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