When Back Pain Needs Care Now

Back pain can range from a dull to severe, and most cases of back pain can be traced to stresses placed on muscles and ligaments that support the spine. It is usually treated with limited rest, as well as exercise and education on how to prevent its recurrence, says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). But there are times when seeking immediate medical care for back pain is a must.

If you have loss of bowel or bladder control, seek emergency help at once. Paralysis of the bowel and bladder could result if not attended to promptly.

For the following symptoms, says the National Library of Medicine (NLM), you should call your health care provider:

• Your back pain is accompanied by a fever

• You experienced a severe blow or fall

• Your back or spine has swelling

• The pain also extends below the knee in one or both of your legs

• You feel weakness, tingling or numbness  in your buttocks, thigh, leg or pelvis

• The pain is excruciating, or is worse when you lie down

• You have bladder or bowel problems that did not exist before the back pain

Fortunately, most back pain does not cause injury to the nerves and will get better in a few days or weeks, the NINDS says.