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MedlinePlus advises people with back pain to limit bed rest and call a doctor if it lingers
Most back pain goes away on its own, and the guidance is to keep moving rather than stay in bed [1]. Certain signs, such as weak legs or loss of bladder and bowel control, call for medical attention right away [2].
Key points
- Back pain affects about 8 out of 10 people at some point, and most cases go away on their own, though it may take a while [1].
- Staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make back pain worse [1].
- Gentle activity such as walking, swimming, yoga and stretching may help ease back pain, but stop if the pain gets worse [3].
- Call your doctor if pain is severe, does not improve after three days, or follows an injury [1].
- Weakness in your legs or loss of bladder and bowel control are red flag signs that need medical attention right away [2].
Most back pain improves on its own within a few weeks
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives [1]. In most cases it goes away on its own within a few weeks, though it can sometimes become a long-lasting problem [2].
Doctors group back pain by how long it lasts. Acute pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks [4]. Subacute pain lasts 4 to 12 weeks, and chronic pain lasts longer than 12 weeks [4].
A common cause is muscle soreness from doing more than your body is used to, such as the first golf game of the season or a day of heavy yard work [2]. That kind of soreness usually fades within a few days [2].
MedlinePlus warns that bed rest beyond a day or two can make back pain worse
Over-the-counter pain relievers and some rest can help, but staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make back pain worse [1]. Another national health service guide likewise tells people not to stay in bed for long periods [3].
Lying down does ease low back pain for most people, whatever the cause [2]. That is a reason to rest briefly, not a reason to stay down. Sitting, standing, walking, bending and lifting often make the pain worse, so expect some discomfort as you get moving again [2].
Gentle movement and a gradual return to daily activity may help recovery
Guidance for home care is to stay active and keep up your daily activities as far as you can [3]. Walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also help ease back pain [3]. Specific back exercises and stretches exist too, but stop if your pain gets worse [3].
Pace yourself. Back pain is more likely if you exercise too strenuously after being inactive for a while [4]. Sudden overactivity is a common cause of low back pain in the first place [2].
| Step | What the guidance says |
|---|---|
| Stay active | Continue daily activities and avoid long periods in bed [3] |
| Pain relievers | Over-the-counter options can help [1]. Anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen may not suit everyone, so a pharmacist can help you choose [3] |
| Cold | An ice pack wrapped in a cloth may reduce pain and swelling [3] |
| Heat | A heat pack wrapped in a cloth may relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms [3] |
| Exercise | Try back exercises and stretches, and stop if pain worsens [3] |
When to get care
Leg weakness or lost bladder and bowel control with back pain needs emergency care
Very rarely, back pain signals a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection [3]. These signs are the ones to act on.
Get emergency care if back pain comes with any of these [2]:
Call your doctor if you have any of these [2][4][1]:
- Back pain that does not get better within a few weeks [2].
- Back pain with fever, chills or weight loss you did not intend [2].
- Severe pain, or pain that does not improve after three days [1].
- Back pain after an injury or a fall [4][1].
- Numbness and tingling, or trouble urinating [4].
- Severe pain that does not improve with medication [4].
Fever and back pain
Infections that involve the bones of the spine or the discs between them can cause back pain [4]. Fever with back pain is among the signs to see a doctor about [4].
If you think you may have a medical emergency in the United States, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and physical therapy may be recommended when back pain lingers
If pain does not get better after a few weeks, other treatments may be recommended [3]. Treatment depends on the kind of pain and its cause, and often several factors contribute [4][1].
| Treatment | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Exercise and physical therapy | Group exercise sessions and physical therapy [3] |
| Manual therapy | A trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints of the back [3] |
| Cognitive behavioral therapy | Helps you cope with the pain [3] |
| Nerve procedure | Seals off some back nerves so they stop sending pain signals, only for long-term lower back pain [3] |
| Injections and complementary care | Listed among possible treatments [1] |
| Surgery | May be an option when a condition like a slipped disc causes the pain and other treatments have not helped [3] |
Sources
- Back Pain medlineplus.gov
- Low Back Pain orthoinfo.org
- Back pain nhs.uk
- Back Pain Symptoms, Types, & Causes niams.nih.gov
Not medical advice. This page is general education written from the sources above. It cannot diagnose a condition or replace a licensed clinician who knows your history. If you may be having an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.