When To Call a Doctor

Give your low back pain a day or two to work itself out before you call your doctor, unless you have signs of a severe illness, injury, or heart attack, as described below.

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if:

• You have back pain with chest pain. Always call 911 anytime you think you might have symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack can include:
  • Pain in the upper back with chest pain or discomfort that is crushing or squeezing or feels like a heavy weight on the chest.
  • Chest discomfort or pain that occurs with:
    • Sweating.
    • Shortness of breath.
    • Nausea or vomiting.
    • Pain that spreads from the chest to the back, neck, or jaw, upper belly, or one or both shoulders or arms. The left shoulder and arm are more commonly affected. See a picture of areas that may be affected by chest pain.
    • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are going to faint.
    • A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
• You had a severe injury to your back. Signs of spinal injury include:
  • New loss of bowel or bladder control.
  • New weakness in the legs.
  • New numbness or tingling in the buttocks, genital area, or legs.
  • Moderate to severe pain following an injury to the back.

Note: If you suspect that someone has a spinal injury, don't move the person except to avoid an immediate threat, such as a fire. If there is immediate danger, keep the head, neck, and back supported and aligned while you move the person to safety.

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

Watchful Waiting

Most low back pain does not require a visit to a doctor. In general, pain should start to improve after 1 or 2 days of home treatment.

If you have pain that has not improved after 1 or 2 days and you are unable to do your normal daily activities, call your doctor.

If your mild to moderate low back pain has continued through 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 provider such as:
  • Family medicine doctor
  • Internist
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Physician assistant
• Orthopedic surgeon
• Osteopathic doctor (osteopath)
• Emergency medicine specialist
• Chiropractor

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

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

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