Dorsalgia is another term for back pain or back suffering. Nerves, muscles, bones, joints or other structure in the spine are the locations where the pain usually originates. Back suffering is one of the most complaints of individuals. This ranks number five in the most common reasons for clinical visits. Every year, five out of ten adults who are working experiences this pain.

Anatomically, back pains are can be categorized into: upper back, neck, tailbone or lower back ache. A person might experience chronic or sudden pain sufferings. This can be intermittent or constant, might stay in a specific area or radiate to other body parts such as arm and hand for upper back and leg and foot for lower back. Pain is usually described as dull, sharp, piercing or with burning sensation. Feeling of weakness tingling or numbness may be consider as symptoms other than pain. Duration of acute pain is less than 4 weeks, sub acute pain is 4-12 weeks, and chronic pain may last grater than 12 weeks. MSK, infection, cancer, etc. may be the cause of pain.

Usually, immediate medical intervention is not needed for back ache. Majority episodes of back ache are self limiting and usually do not progress. Common syndromes of back ache are because of inflammation, most especially during acute phase. Typically it lasts a week of two to three months.

Studies revealed that psychosocial factors such as on-the-job stress and family relationship problems may have a connection closely with back ache than those of abnormal results in x-rays and other tests.

There are short term treatments for temporary relief for back pain such as: heat therapy, use of prescription drugs such as paracetamol and muscle relaxants, and a massage therapy. Conservative therapy has been always effective such as exercises, physical therapy, randomized control trial, studies of manipulation, acupuncture and education, and attitude adjustment to convert attention into psychological or emotional causes.

When treating back suffering, the management goal is to reach maximum pain reduction; it aims to restore of one's ability to do its everyday duty; to identify different effects of the therapy; and to be able to handle patient's passage through the socioeconomic impediments to recovery. Generally, it aims to manage pain in a reasonable level to progress with treatment and rehabilitation, which can result to long term pain relief.