If you’re like most people, you’ll have back or neck pain at some point in your life. Maybe you wake up with a stiff neck, your back is sore after a long day of yard work or you twist while you’re lifting and wrench your back.
Pain in the spine is one of the most common reasons people get medical care. Sometimes, it’s a muscle strain, poor posture or stress that’s to blame. In those cases, you may be able to treat your pain at home. But back and neck pain can also point to something more serious.
So how do you know when to handle the pain at home, when to call your doctor and when you need care right away? Here’s what to watch for.
Common causes of back and neck pain
“Causes of neck or back pain can be varied,” said Michael Prim, MD, a neurosurgeon with Banner - University Medicine. You could have pain from:
- Everyday strain: Heavy lifting, twisting or slouching can irritate your muscles and soft tissue and cause strains or sprains.
- Age-related changes: Long-term problems like arthritis, bulging discs or spinal degeneration can be to blame.
- Less common but serious issues: Infection, fracture or tumors don’t happen as often, but they can be worrisome. (See a doctor for any unexplained weight loss with pain.)
When home treatment may be enough
“Home therapies can be very helpful for normal aches and pains. They are good if you think you just pulled a muscle or maybe overdid some work or physical activity,” Dr. Prim said.
If your pain comes on slowly and seems mild, it may improve in a few days with simple care at home:
- Alternate using a heating pad and ice for short periods.
- Rest. Gentle stretching or low-impact activities may be OK but avoid movements that make your pain worse.
- Use anti-inflammatory over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) for a few days, if they are safe for you. “These can help lower inflammation and start you on the road to recovery,” Dr. Prim said.
It’s a good idea to keep track of any changes in your pain or how you’re able to function. If symptoms last for more than a few days, it’s time to call your primary care provider. Don’t ignore symptoms, since getting care sooner rather than later can help prevent long-lasting problems.
Signs it’s time to see a doctor
Back and neck pain doesn’t always need care right away, but there are times you shouldn’t ignore it. Call your provider if you notice:
- Pain that lasts more than a few days
- Pain that is getting worse, not better
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Pain that makes it hard for you to do your daily activities
- Loss of coordination or trouble with balance
- Unexplained weight loss or fever along with pain
- Weakness, numbness, tingling or electric sensations in your arms or legs, which could be signs of compression in your nerves or spinal cord that could cause long-lasting damage
Red flag symptoms that need urgent care
For some symptoms, you need to get medical care right away. Go to the emergency room if you have:
- Bowel or bladder problems such as loss of control
- Weakness in your hands or legs
- Sudden, severe muscle weakness
- Inability to walk due to pain or weakness
- Sharp, shooting pain with fever or weight loss
- Pain after a fall, accident or other trauma
These may be signs of a problem with your spinal cord or nerves that you shouldn’t ignore.
How doctors can help
“Doctors can provide counseling as to what might be causing your pain and then recommend treatment,” Dr. Prim said. “It can be as simple as rest with heat and ice. It may include some physical therapy and NSAIDs. Or it could be an MRI of your neck or back, which could lead to a surgical consultation.”
Most people should start with their primary care provider. They can evaluate your pain, suggest conservative treatments and decide if you need to see a specialist.
Your provider may recommend:
- Imaging tests to check your discs, nerves or spinal cord
- Physical therapy to help you move better and get stronger
- Pain management like guided exercises, medication or injections
- In rare cases, surgery to correct a structural issue
At Banner Health, our spine care specialists work with you to create a personalized plan to treat your back and neck pain. “Most of these aches and pains can be treated with physical therapy and making some modifications to your daily life,” Dr. Prim said.
“If there are still issues, we move on to other treatments like injections or nerve ablations. If all of those fail, that is when you see a surgeon,” Dr. Prim said.
Spine surgery can seem scary but the technology is always getting better. “These days minimally invasive, computer navigated and robotic surgery are standard and people are doing much better than they did years ago. Don't hesitate to see a spine surgeon if you think it could help,” Dr. Prim said.
Taking care of your back and neck at home
You can’t always avoid back and neck pain but some healthy habits can help reduce your risk:
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
- Practice good posture, especially when you’re looking at your phone or sitting at a computer.
- Avoid sitting for a long time without a break.
- Use proper form when you’re lifting or exercising.
- Stretch and strengthen your core and back muscles.
- Set up an ergonomic workspace.
- Avoid smoking, vaping and using nicotine. “Some of the worse spines I see are in smokers. One of the best things people who deal with chronic pain can do is to quit smoking. I promise your back and neck will feel better,” Dr. Prim said.
The bottom line
Most of the time, you can take care of back and neck pain at home. But if your pain isn’t improving, or if you notice symptoms like weakness, numbness or bowel or bladder changes, don’t wait to get care. Getting diagnosed and treated right away can help prevent long-term issues and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Get more information about your back and neck pain with our free online symptom assessment tool.
Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health specialist to learn more about your options for safe and effective spine care.
