When to Call a Doctor
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if:
- Back pain occurs with chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack.
- A person has signs of damage to the
spine after an injury (such as a car
accident, fall, or direct blow to the
spine). Signs may include:
- Being unable to move part of the body.
- Severe back or neck pain.
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- You cannot walk or stand at all because of weakness (and not just because it hurts too much).
- You suddenly lose bowel or bladder control, even if you were not injured.
Call your doctor if:
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Read the Medications for Low Back Pain article > >
- You have new numbness in the buttocks, genital or rectal area, or legs.
- You have leg weakness that is not solely due to pain. Many people with low back pain say their legs feel weak. See your doctor if your leg is so weak that you cannot bend your foot upward, get out of a chair, or climb stairs.
- You have new or increased back pain with fever, painful urination, or other signs of a urinary tract infection.
- You have long-term back pain that suddenly gets much worse, and you did not cause it by being more active.
- You have a history of cancer or HIV infection, and you have new or increased back pain.
- You have severe pain that does not improve after a few days of home treatment.
- Pain wakes you from sleep.
- Pain does not improve after 2 weeks of home treatment.
For more information, see the topic Back Problems and Injuries.
Watchful waiting
Most low back pain does not require a visit to a doctor.
If the pain doesn't get better after 1 or 2 days and you can't do your normal daily activities, call your doctor.
If you still have mild to moderate pain after at least 2 weeks of home treatment, talk with your doctor. He or she may want to check for problems that may be causing your back pain.
Who to see
The following health professionals can diagnose the cause of back pain, evaluate back injuries, and start treatment:
- Primary care providers:
- Orthopedic surgeon
- Osteopathic doctor
- Emergency medicine specialist
- Chiropractor
You may also be referred to one of the following specialists:
- Physical therapist
- Physiatrist
- Neurosurgeon
- Rheumatologist
- Pain management specialist if low back pain has lasted for more than 3 months
- Cognitive-behavioral therapist
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
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