Back pain is a common medical problem. Back and spine pain can result from spinal injury, degenerative disc disease, sciatica and herniated disc, among other problems. Low back pain involves the lumbar spine while mid-to-upper back pain involves the thoracic spine. Neck pain involves the cervical spine and is often associated with headache. Often, back pain goes away on its own, but you should see a doctor if pain lasts longer than three days. Back problems can be tricky to diagnose. Treatments vary from exercise and medications to back surgery, including discectomy and spinal fusion.