More often than not the back pain that you experience can be treated at home. A good example is when you wake up with a kink in your back. You normally attribute the pain to having slept wrong.
This kind of pain is normally not from sleeping incorrectly but more from muscle overuse or stress. Usually you do not need to see a doctor to get relief. You will need to get plenty of rest, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, ice the area the first few days and then begin to apply heat as well. The pain tends to gradually subside and is gone in a week or two.
When to See Your Doctor
There will be certain times you will need to see a doctor to help you with your back pain. You are probably wondering which criteria you should meet in order to make the decision to seek medical attention.
If your pain or symptoms are listed below, then you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Sever Pain – Back pain so intense that you cannot sleep or perform daily functions
- Continuous Pain – Mild or severe back pain that last more than two weeks
- Experienced Trauma – If you were involved in an accident or a fall that has caused back pain
- Fever – A fever is usually a sign of an infection that could be mild or serious
- Numbness or Tingling – This could be a sign of nerve damage
- Abdominal Pain – Back pain that began without an obvious injury and then you developed abdominal pain
You should always follow your instincts and if you feel you should see a doctor then go. A good rule of thumb is to see a doctor when you feel you need to. It is better to error on the side of caution and be sent home to simply ice your back than to find out too late that there is a serious issue.