Spinecare Topics
When to Seek Medical Advice
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.