Which symptoms mean I should call a provider right away?
Signs that point to a nerve, infection, fracture or other serious cause. MedlinePlus lists these.
- Back pain after a severe blow or fall.
- Burning with urination or blood in your urine.
- A history of cancer, or unexplained fever with back pain.
- Loss of control over urine or stool.
- Pain traveling down your legs below the knee.
- Pain that's worse lying down, or that wakes you at night.
- Redness or swelling on the back or spine.
- Severe pain that won't let you get comfortable.
- Weakness or numbness in your buttocks, thigh, leg or pelvis, or trouble walking or keeping your balance.
Also call if you're losing weight without trying, use steroids or inject drugs, or this episode feels different and worse than past ones (MedlinePlus).
When is it reasonable to try self-care first?
When there are no warning signs. Most back pain improves within 4 to 6 weeks, often much sooner.
Many people feel better within a week (MedlinePlus). Reasonable self-care includes a short period of reduced activity, then gradual return to normal activities; ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then heat; and over-the-counter pain relievers if they're safe for you. Avoid heavy lifting and twisting for the first 6 weeks.
When should a routine visit happen?
When an episode lasts beyond about 4 weeks, feels different from past episodes, or limits work, sleep or daily life.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Warning signs above, or loss of bladder/bowel control | Emergency care or call your provider right away |
| New back pain, no warning signs | Self-care; call if not improving |
| Episode longer than 4 weeks | Schedule a visit (MedlinePlus) |
| Pain more than 12 weeks (chronic) | A fuller evaluation and a longer-term plan (NIAMS) |
Who can I see first?
A primary care provider, a physical therapist or a chiropractor are all common first stops in Utah.
- Primary care: can evaluate, order tests and refer.
- Physical therapist: in Utah, a PT may evaluate and treat without a referral (Utah Code 58-24b-307).
- Chiropractor: a first-contact provider who can examine you and refer when something needs medical care.
- Spine specialist: orthopedic spine surgeon, neurosurgeon or physiatrist, usually for persistent nerve symptoms or when surgery or injections are being considered.
What happens at the visit?
Questions about your pain, a physical exam, and usually no imaging unless something points to a serious cause.
Expect questions about where the pain is, what it feels like, how it started and what changes it, plus an exam that checks movement, reflexes, strength and sensation, such as walking on toes and heels and a straight-leg raise (MedlinePlus). Read do I need an MRI? for when imaging helps.
If you've had back or leg pain for weeks and want to know whether non-surgical spinal decompression is an option, Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC at Springville Disc Center at Stapel Family Chiropractic in Springville offers a free consultation. Call (801) 491-8688.
When to see a doctor FAQs
When is back pain an emergency?
How long should I wait before seeing a doctor for back pain?
What kind of doctor should I see for back pain?
What will the doctor ask?
Can I see Dr. Stapel without a referral?
Talk with Dr. Stapel about your pain
Call the office or request a free consultation. You'll talk through your symptoms and history, and you'll get an honest answer about whether spinal decompression is worth considering for you.
The consultation is free, with no obligation to start treatment. Have an MRI? Ask about the free MRI review.
Sources
This website is operated for Stapel Family Chiropractic (Springville Disc Center) in Springville, Utah. Care is provided by Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC, a licensed chiropractic physician. About this site.