When should I call the doctor?
View Outline Bookmark
Rate
Tools
Select Language
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What is back pain?
Almost everyone gets back pain at some point. But even when the pain is severe, it usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. It is rare to need urgent care or surgery.
In general, a person can have:
●Upper back pain – This is felt anywhere from the base of the neck to the middle part of the back. This is called the “thoracic” spine (figure 1). It can also cause pain in the neck, arms, and shoulders.
●Low back pain – This can be felt anywhere from the middle part of the back to the hips. This is called the “lumbar” spine (figure 1). It can also cause pain in the buttocks and legs.
If you had back pain in the past, certain things might help prevent getting back pain again.
How can I prevent getting back pain again?
The best thing is to stay active. Doing exercises to strengthen and stretch your back can help. Your doctor might recommend seeing a physical therapist (exercise specialist) to learn how to do these exercises.
You should also:
●Use good posture – In general, try to avoid standing or sitting in 1 position for a long time.
When standing:
•Keep your ears, shoulders, hips, and ankles in line with each other.
•Keep your feet shoulder width apart.
•If you need to stand for a long time, stagger 1 foot in front of the other. You can also put 1 foot up on a small ledge or stool.
When sitting:
•Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in line. Do not let your head slouch forward.
•Keep your shoulders back, down, and relaxed.
•Keep your hips and knees at right angles, and your feet flat on the floor.
●Use good “ergonomics” – This is your posture when working at a desk. To do this:
•Take a short break from sitting every hour or so.
•The top of your computer monitor should be at or just below eye level.
•Your keyboard should be in front of you.
•Keep your elbows close to your body and at right angles. Your wrists should be straight.
•Use a chair that supports your lower back.
●Support your back while you sleep – Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Use a supportive pillow for your neck. You can also use pillows to support other parts of your body. For example:
•If you sleep on your back, try putting a pillow under your knees.
•If you sleep on your side, try putting a pillow between your knees.
●Avoid putting too much weight on your shoulders – For example, avoid wearing heavy backpacks or purses. If you wear a bra, make sure it has good support.
●Wear shoes with good support – Avoid wearing high heels and shoes with poor support. Wear shoes that fit well and support your entire foot and ankle. It might help to have arch support. You can also buy shoe inserts in stores or online to add more support to your shoes.
●Move heavy objects safely – Try to move objects by pushing, pulling, sliding, or rolling them. This is usually safer than lifting. If you have to lift or carry something, keep your back straight. Other tips include:
•Make a plan before you start. For example, you might want to get another person to help you. Or you might need to clear a path where you will walk when moving the object.
•When picking up something from the ground, spread your feet apart, then bend with your knees. Use these same movements to put something down on the ground.
•When moving something, keep the object as close to your body as possible. Take small steps, and do not twist your body.
●Maintain a healthy body weight – Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on your joints. Your doctor or nurse can talk to you about healthy ways to lose weight.
What else should I know?
Having back pain can be frustrating and scary. Most of the time, back pain is not serious and goes away on its own. But sometimes, it is caused by something that needs treatment. It’s important to know when you need to see a doctor for back pain.
When should I call the doctor?
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you have back pain and:
●You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
●Your pain is severe.
●You have new weakness in 1 or both arms, or you cannot move your arm.
●You have problems controlling your bladder or bowel movements.
Call for advice if you have back pain, and:
●You recently had a fall or back injury.
●You have signs of infection – Examples include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, or coughing up green or yellow mucus.
●Your pain is getting worse, even with pain medicines and rest.
●Your pain does not start to improve within 4 weeks.
●You cannot do your daily activities or sleep because of pain.
●You have numbness or weakness in your legs.
●You have unexplained weight loss.
●You take a steroid medicine (such as prednisone) regularly.
●You have diabetes or a medical problem that weakens your immune system.
●You have or had certain other conditions, such as cancer or osteoporosis.