When Can a Doctor Help Your Back Pain?

Treatment TermsBack pain TagsBack pain Sub-Title Answers to Common Back Pain Questions Overview More than eight in 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. In most cases, the pain goes away over time. If your back pain is severe or does not improve, you may need medical care. Here are answers to some common questions about back pain and tips on when to seek help. Content Blocks Header Why Does My Back Hurt? ContentThere are various reasons why your back can hurt, including muscle pain, disc pain, joint pain, or nerve pain. In most cases, these are not harmful or dangerous. “There are some instances when pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as a fracture, infection, or  cancer affecting the spine,” saidAnand B. Joshi, MD, MHA, a Duke physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor) who specializes in spine care. “Thankfully, these conditions are very rare and usually only affect people with special risk factors.”  Section Features Text Content Header When Should I See a Doctor for Back Pain? ContentWhen your back first starts to hurt, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever (for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen) and applying ice. You may need to take it easy for a while, but “It’s best to stay as active as possible, and to avoid bed rest,” said Dr. Joshi.If your pain is severe, lasts several weeks, and keeps you from participating in normal, daily activities, see ...
Source: dukehealth.org: Duke Health News - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Source Type: news