In recent years, opioids have become a safety concern for some health officials. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recently released a statement on opioid use to address this problem.

Prescriptions for opioid painkillers have nearly doubled over the past decade. At the same time, opioid overdose deaths have risen. Could the availability of alternative pain treatments, such as medical marijuana, change those overdose rates?

Insomnia doesn't just affect patients at night — they often feel tired and less focused during the day, too. But patients may also experience back pain as a result of their sleepless nights.

Medications intended to ease pain can sometimes cause more when an overdose occurs. People in certain US states may be at a greater risk for overdoses based on the prescription practices in those states.

Postural tachycardia syndrome is a condition that is often mistaken for chronic fatigue. However, people with postural tachycardia syndrome may have worse physical and social difficulties than those with fatigue.

Mental health issues may play a role in disabling back pain that can require surgery, and experts recommend mental health screening before spinal surgery. But it seems some surgeons may have missed this recommendation.

Is that constant pain in your lower back affecting your day-to-day life? You aren't alone.

Spinal fractures can cause constant pain. In addition to pain pills, there may be other ways to ease the discomfort.

People who have lasting neck pain could get some relief by making the right phone call, which might be to a licensed massage therapist.

Back surgery might not have to be a major surgery for some patients. A different technique may produce good long-lasting results.