title: Back pain.
abstract: Acute back pain in younger patients almost always resolves within two months. Recurrent episodes in older patients are associated with degenerative changes. The correct diagnosis and optimum management are important for the individual patient, as well as having economic implications for both the patient and the nation.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Merriam
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012008:Recurrence; D012585:Sciatica / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy