Pain or discomfort in the back is a very common health problem that usually experienced by older people and can appear and disappear over a period of several years. In most cases, the cause of back pain is not serious and the pain will disappear with a simple home treatment and over time. People with back pain often describe it as a slow and continuous feeling sharp, stinging or causing stiffness and difficulty standing still or moving, or pain or tingling in the buttocks and legs below the knee.

An acute attack of back pain is an attack that lasts less than six weeks, while chronic attacks generally last more than three months. Most back pain is related to stress or strain a muscle or ligament. Back pain affecting the nerves in the spine, causing pain in the buttocks and legs through the knee, are less frequent. The pain may begin immediately after exertion or injury or can start within a few hours. A very small percentage of back pain is related to age.