Etiology

Etiology is the study of causation or origination. The word is commonly used in the medical professions, where it may refer to the study of why things occur, or the reason behind why things act a certain way. For example, the etiology of low back pain is a complex subject, with multiple contributing factors and various structures implicated. Understanding causation is crucial in developing effective treatment plans and preventative measures. Synonyms for causation include causality, origin, and reason. Related glossary terms include correlation, risk factor, and pathophysiology.