Low back pain is very common, affecting 50-80% of adults at some point. It is the leading cause of disability in the US, costing $50 billion annually. While most cases resolve within 6 weeks, pain and disability may persist longer in up to 12-72% of patients. Risk factors include poor physical fitness, obesity, smoking, and hard physical labor. Mechanical low back pain makes up 90% of cases and involves overuse or injury of back structures, while 10% have non-mechanical systemic causes. Diagnosis involves history, exam, and sometimes imaging to identify pain generators and rule out serious causes requiring prompt treatment. Initial treatment focuses on remaining active, over-the-counter medications,