When to Call a Doctor

Call 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 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:
  • Family medicine doctor
  • Internist
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Physician assistant
• 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.