Has your back been bothering you for months - or years - and still you and your doctor haven't been able to figure out why? You're not alone.

Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some time in their lives. It is one of the most common and difficult-to-treat medical complaints among adults. It comes in many forms, from lower back pain, middle back pain, or upper back pain to low back pain with sciatica.

Common causes include nerve and muscular problems, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis. People with long-lasting pain often get little relief from the most widely recommended treatments.

Living with chronic back pain should be enough of a burden for anybody. But pile on depression -- one of the most common problems faced by people with chronic pain - and that burden gets even heavier.

Normally, as pain subsides, so does the stressful response. Because depression in patients with chronic pain frequently goes undiagnosed, it often goes untreated.

Pain symptoms and complaints take center stage on most doctors' visits. The result is depression, along with sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and decreased physical activity which may make pain much worse.

Surgery for back pain is not the cure-all that many patients believe it to be, say orthopedic experts. Doctors tend to be "overly optimistic" when they counsel patients about the benefits of back surgery. Almost 40% of patients in one study reported virtually no difference in back pain one year after having back surgery.

The ancient technique of acupuncture helps relieve chronic back pain better than standard care such as medications or physical therapy, according to a new study. Acupuncture continues to gain popularity in this country because it is an effective treatment of acute and chronic backache.

Acute pain can often be cleared up in a few acupuncture sessions. More treatments may be needed if there is an underlying deficiency, or reoccurring problem.

Oriental medicine helps do this by treating the whole person and focusing on bringing the entire body into balance. Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system. It clears obstructions in the muscle and nerve channels, facilitates the flow of oxygen-enriched energy and relaxes the system.

To help relieve low back pain at home, try to
1. Pay attention to your posture. Sit or stand up straight, with your shoulders back.
2. Use a medium-firm mattress; it is likely to be more comfortable than either a soft or a firm mattress.
3. Do stretching exercises and yoga for alleviating tight back muscles.
4. Watch your weight. Being too heavy, especially around your waist, puts extra stress on your back.
5. Use heating pad for chronic, dull pain and icepack for acute, burning pain.
6. Meditate to tame intrusive thoughts and tension.
7. Get back to your normal activities. Staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can weaken your muscles and make the problem even worse.