01/11/2024
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help or miss work. Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Fortunately, measures can help prevent or relieve most back pain episodes, especially for people younger than age 60. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and using the body correctly often can heal the back within a few weeks. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
Symptoms
Back pain can range from a muscle ache to a shooting, burning or stabbing feeling. Also, the pain can radiate down a leg. Bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking can make pain worse.
When to see a doctor
Most back pain improves over time with home treatment and self-care, often within a few weeks. Contact your healthcare professional for back pain that:
Lasts longer than a few weeks.
Is severe and doesn't improve with rest.
Spreads down one or both legs, especially if it goes below the knee.
Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
Is paired with unexplained weight loss.
In some people, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. This is rare, but seek immediate care for back pain that:
Causes new bowel or bladder problems.
Is accompanied by a fever.
Follows a fall, blow to the back or other injury.