The American Back Society was founded in Oakland, California in 1982 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an interdisciplinary forum for health care professionals and scientists interested in relieving pain and diminishing impairment through proper diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from spinal pathology.

Through periodic meetings, the American Back Society invites exchange of ideas, constructive criticism, and educational opportunities to all disciplines involved. The goals of these interchanges are to assure improved expertise, and greater interchange of professional contributions, and to ensure ethical practice and economic benefits for the patients and society.

The Society is comprised of Orthopaedic and Neurological Surgeons, Osteopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Neurologists, Psychiatrists, Radiologists, Rheumatologists, Internists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, and other health care professionals. There are currently 13 committees, comprised of these specialties whose goals are to further the quality of education and knowledge of the ABS membership and the health care community.

The ultimate goal of the American Back Society is to provide the health care community access to the most current information available on interdisciplinary spinal care.