Back pain affects most people at some point in their life, triggered by bad posture, bending awkwardly or lifting incorrectly. Most cases of back pain improve within a few weeks or months, but some people experience long-term repetitive pain. Sometimes back pain can be caused by an injury or disease, such as a slipped disc, sciatica, whiplash, frozen shoulder or ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment may include strong pain medication, muscle strengthening exercises, manual therapy or CBT.