There's a wealth of resources is out there to help you learn about — and live with — back pain, from organizations to books. Here are just a few.

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)

800-533-3231

The ACPA provides support groups throughout the United States and around the world. Founded by someone who has chronic pain, the association is dedicated to helping people learn chronic-pain management and coping skills.

American Pain Foundation (APF)

888-615-PAIN (7246)

The APF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with pain, including back pain, through advocacy, information, and support. This group provides online community support and specific information for families of military veterans suffering from chronic pain as a result of their service.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)

[email protected]

NIAMS is a federally funded institute that supports research into the causes and treatments of diseases and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system. The Web site includes health information written for the public about a variety of conditions, including back pain.

American Association of Neurological Surgeons

888-566-AANS (2267)

This professional organization for neurosurgeons is dedicated to educating people about, and enhancing public understanding of, neurosurgical treatment, including treatment for back pain. They also offer help in finding a qualified neurosurgeon in your area.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Your Orthopaedic Connection

847-823-7186

AAOS is a professional association for orthopedists, also called orthopedic surgeons, who treat musculoskeletal conditions including many that cause back pain. Your Orthopedic Connection is the AAOS information Web site for patients.

American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPMR)

312-464-9700

[email protected]

The AAPMR is a national medical society that represents physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation physicians work on reducing pain, including back pain, and improving mobility. The Web site includes a public education section with information about conditions and treatments.

Books About Back Pain

Do You Really Need Back Surgery?: A Surgeon’s Guide to Back and Neck Pain and How to Choose Your Treatment, by Aaron G. Filler, MD (Oxford University Press, 2007).

If you’re facing back surgery, or think you may one day need it, this book provides a comprehensive overview of spine anatomy, different types of pain, and the types of surgery available. Written by a spine and nerve surgeon, the book covers everything from diagnostic testing to appropriate treatments.

Living Well with Back Pain: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You … That You Need to Know, by Robert B. Winter, MD, and Marilyn L. Bach, PhD, Harper Paperbacks (2006).

A complete overview of back health and back pain concerns, including details on how to strengthen and protect your back from injury. For those living with back pain, this book goes over evidence-based treatments and provides a handy guide as patients consider their options.

8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back: Natural Posture Solutions for Pain in the Back, Neck, Shoulder, Hip, Knee, and Foot (Remember When it Didn’t Hurt), by Esther Gokhale, LAc (Pendo Press, 2008).

Gain greater understanding of how your spine and your other body parts work so that you can change the problems with posture that could be contributing to your pain. This book includes many photographs and illustrations of correct posture and motion.