Low Back Pain

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.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new numbness in your legs or numbness in your legs that is getting worse.
• You have new weakness in your legs or weakness in your legs that is getting worse. (This could make it hard to stand up.)
• You lose control of your bladder or bowels.
• 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.
• Pain wakes you from sleep.

For more information, see the topic Reference Back Problems and Injuries.

Watchful waiting

Most low back pain doesn't 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:
  • Reference Family medicine doctor Opens New Window
  • Reference Chiropractor Opens New Window
  • Reference Physical therapist
  • Reference Osteopathic doctor Opens New Window
  • Reference Internist Opens New Window
  • Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window
  • Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window

• Reference Emergency medicine specialist Opens New Window

You may also be referred to one of the following specialists:

• Reference Physiatrist Opens New Window
• Reference Neurosurgeon Opens New Window
• Reference Rheumatologist Opens New Window
• Reference Orthopedic surgeon Opens New Window
• Reference Pain management specialist Opens New Window if low back pain has lasted for more than 3 months
• Reference Cognitive-behavioral therapist Opens New Window

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.