It’s possible for someone to have a single episode of back pain and never experience another one. But it’s much more likely that once your symptoms have gone away—either with or without treatment—they will recur sooner or later. Back pain should be thought of as a chronic condition; one that cannot be cured but can be easily controlled with knowledge and the proper activities. But each recurrence is not a sign that your back is getting worse. It is just the same old problem hurting again.