Tests that let doctors look for clues inside the body may help solve medical conditions that cause back pain and other symptoms. However, balancing risks, benefits and costs for each procedure is the key to getting the best medical care.

Of all the parts of the body smoking can damage, the back doesn't seem like it would be one of them. Many smokers with lower back arthritis, however, may beg to differ. Smokers with this condition may not respond as well to treatment as nonsmokers.

Women, when it comes to pain, don’t just grin and bear it. Plenty of treatments have been shown to work.

Thinking about going under the knife for spine problems? It's a tough decision that patients and doctors should discuss. In some cases, the surgery might not make much difference.

When a medication doesn't work, it can be a real pain in the back — literally. A common medication for back pain may not be helpful to patients.

Spinal stenosis tends to affect patients as they grow older. Surgery can provide relief, but those with even slight depression may face difficulties recovering.

Insomnia doesn't just affect patients at night — they often feel tired and less focused during the day, too. But patients may also experience back pain as a result of their sleepless nights.

Many have said they could feel a storm brewing through pain in their back. But is this sensation founded in science? A new study suggests the link between weather and pain may be nothing more than an old wives tale.

As people age, many changes take place in their body. For some, one of those changes might be spinal stenosis, which can potentially lead to pain in the back and legs.

Mental health issues may play a role in disabling back pain that can require surgery, and experts recommend mental health screening before spinal surgery. But it seems some surgeons may have missed this recommendation.