Most cases of neck and back pain gradually improve with home treatment and self-care over a few days or a week. When the injury is significant, neck and back problems may take several weeks or a few months for a full recovery. As a general rule, some improvement should be noticed within the first 72 hours of self-care. If not, see your doctor.

In some cases, neck and back pain can signal a serious medical problem. See a doctor immediately if your back pain:

• Is constant or intense, especially when lying down or at night
• Spreads down one or both extremities
• Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both arms or legs
• Is associated with new bowel or bladder problems
• Is associated with chest or abdominal pain
• Occurs in conjunction with a fever
• Follows a trauma
• Causes immobility and inability to bend or twist the body or neck
• Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss

Also, see your doctor if you develop new back pain and you're older than age 50 or have a history of recent trauma, infection, cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, drug use or alcohol abuse.