When to Call the Doctor About Back Pain

Last Updated: Sept. 1, 2003

Acute back pain often goes away by itself in a few days or weeks.
A physician should be notified immediately if:

• There is no relief from pain following a few days in bed
• Pain is severe or recurs
• Radiating pain, numbness, tingling or weakening occurs in arms or legs
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction occurs
• A child or elderly person has back pain
• Fever and/or vomiting occurs with back pain

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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