At some point, back pain affects an estimated eight out of 10 people. It's one of our society's most common medical problems.

A number of factors can increase your risk for back pain. They include:

+Age: Back pain becomes more common with age.

+Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit.

+Diet: A diet high in calories and fat can lead to obesity, which can put stress on the back.

+Heredity: Some causes of back pain, including disc disease, may have a genetic component.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases funds research to better understand and treat back pain. It recently produced a booklet, "Handout on Health: Back Pain," which offers information and treatment tips. For a free copy, call (877) 22-NIAMS or visit www.niams.nih.gov.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.