When to See a Doctor for Back Pain


Back pain is an extremely common condition, affecting 70-85% of adults at some point in their life. There are a variety of etiologies which can lead to back pain. Depending on the cause, patients may experience a wide spectrum of symptoms and levels of discomfort.

 

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain can be derived from various conditions and injuries. However, the most common cause of low back pain tends to be muscle strain. The muscles which support your spine are extremely large and powerful. When an injury occurs to these muscles, this can lead to a significant amount of pain. Other causes of low back pain include: 

  • Degeneration of the intervertebral discs
  • Disc herniations
  • Facet joint arthritis (affecting the small joints between the bones of the spine)
  • Non-spinal causes (like conditions in the abdomen).

Understanding these causes early on, can help identify your symptoms more accura

 

Lower Back Pain Symptoms: When Should I See a Doctor?

Patients who experience back pain should consult a physician if their pain persists for 1-2 weeks. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience one or more of the following “red flag” symptoms associated with their back pain:

  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Night pain
  • Night sweats
  • Fevers
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Severe, unrelenting pain

 

How Do I Know If My Back Pain Is Muscular or Nerve Pain?

The cause of back pain drives the symptoms that patients experience. Your physician will determine a key factor during diagnosis: Is the pain isolated, axial back pain, or is there a nerve component? Patients with true axial low back pain will present with focal pain that may radiate across the back’s muscles. If there is compression of the nerves, patients will more commonly have pain which radiates down their legs or have discomfort in their legs, particularly when exerting themselves. 

 

What Can I Expect During A Doctor’s Visit For Lower Back Pain? 

When you schedule an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider for back pain, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation that includes:

  • A Detailed Medical History: inquiring the pain character levels you experience (do you have sharp or dull pains?), pain locations (is it in one spot or does it move?), onset, intensity, how long does your pain last, what makes it better, and what makes it worse?
  • A Physical Examination:  a key component where your arm and leg strength and sensation will be tested, along with your reflexes. Additionally, a number of special physical tests may be performed.
  • Imaging Testing: all patients should have an X-ray of the affected area. More advanced imaging (CT scans or MRIs) may be ordered at the discretion of your physician.

 

What are the Treatment Options for Low Back Pain?

The treatment of low back pain is driven by the cause of a patient’s symptoms. Fortunately, roughly 90% of patients with low back pain will have resolution of their symptoms in 3 months, with or without treatment. Most commonly, there will be relief of discomfort within 6 weeks. The focus of conservative management for low back pain is symptom management. Conservative treatments may include:

  • Physical therapy (PT) for 6 weeks in order to strengthen the lower back muscles and core muscle groups
  • Weight reduction
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Medrol (steroid) dose packs
  • NSAIDs (Ibuprofen/Advil or Motrin, naproxen/Aleve, etc.)
  • Heat and cold therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Activity modification
  • Smoking cessation

 

If your back pain persists after 6 weeks of conservative management, your physician may refer you to a pain management specialist for evaluation for injections.

While there are potential surgical options for low back pain, these are only done for specific reasons and need to be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Schedule An Appointment with Our Back Pain Specialists