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Backaches

Backaches

Overview

Although stress can cause backaches it is wise to watch out for other signs that may indicate a more serious condition. Pain which radiates to the buttocks, arms or legs, and weakness or numbness in the arms and legs should not be ignored.

Review Date 6/27/2026

Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Peter and Sophie Pappas Endowed Chair, V-nee Yeh Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.