When should I see a doctor about my back pain?

While most of us would rather wait out back pain by sitting on the couch and watching daytime TV, there comes a point when we’re running out of sick time and patience. Most of us start to worry if we will ever get better by this time, so you need to think about seeing the doctor for help.

When you have a fever

Fever is usually an indicator of an infection of some sort, whether it’s a cold or something more serious, like kidney stones or meningitis. If you have a fever that come on with your back pain and it’s not responding to acetaminophen, you will want to call your doctor.

When it’s been more than a few days

Back pain is something that should resolve on its own, or at least get better, rather than worse. If you have intense pain for more than a few days, you need to see your doctor – if not sooner.

When you’ve taken medications without lessening of symptoms

When you’re popping ibuprofen and nothing’s helping, it’s time to call in the doctor. While there may be nothing seriously wrong, they can prescribe better drugs for you to take.

When you can’t move

If you simply can not move, you might have a more serious problem with your back. Get someone to bring you to the doctor.