How is chronic lower back pain diagnosed and treated?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Chronic lower back pain is typically diagnosed through a physical exam, a review of your medical history, and imaging tests when needed. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery.

Because lower back pain can stem from many causes—muscle strain, herniated discs, arthritis, or nerve issues—understanding the source is key to finding relief. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Chronic lower back pain is a common issue that is diagnosed by doctors through a combination of taking your medical history and doing a physical exam. They look for how long you have had the pain, what makes it better or worse, and any other symptoms you might have. If you're experiencing persistent back pain and want to better understand your symptoms before seeing a doctor, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool to get personalized insights in just a few minutes.

Diagnosis:

Medical History: Doctors ask about your pain, how long it has lasted, and what activities might affect it.
Physical Exam: This involves checking your back's movement and any pain during certain motions.

Treatment:

Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise and keeping a healthy weight can help.
Medications: Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs might be used.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the back and improve flexibility.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery might be needed if other treatments do not work.

Each person is different, so treatment is tailored to what works best for them. Always talk to a healthcare provider to find the best plan for your situation.

(References)

Farley T, Stokke J, Goyal K, & DeMicco R. (2024). Chronic Low Back Pain: History, Symptoms .... Life (Basel, Switzerland), 39063567.
Maharty DC, Hines SC, & Brown RB. (2024). Chronic Low Back Pain in Adults: Evaluation and .... American family physician, 38574213.
Nicol V, Verdaguer C, Daste C, Bisseriex H, Lapeyre É, Lefèvre-Colau MM, et al. (2023). Chronic Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review of Recent .... Journal of clinical medicine, 36836220.

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