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Back Pain
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Brain Nerves

Back Pain

Back pain affects 8 out of 10 people, usually resolves on its own, but severe or persistent pain warrants medical attention.

Overview

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives. The sensation can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and typically lasts from a few days to a few weeks, whereas chronic back pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months.

When to Seek Medical Care

If your back pain is severe or does not improve after three days, you should call your health‑care provider. Medical attention is also advised if the pain follows an injury.

Treatment & Management

Self‑care

Most back pain resolves on its own, though it may take a while. Using over‑the‑counter pain relievers and resting can help, but staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make the condition worse.

Medical interventions

  • Hot or cold packs
  • Exercise
  • Medicines
  • Injections
  • Complementary treatments
  • Sometimes surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Short‑term NSAID use (ibuprofen, naproxen) can reduce inflammation and pain, but chronic daily use increases risks of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, and elevated blood pressure. If you need NSAIDs for more than a week, discuss gastro‑protective strategies (e.g., proton‑pump inhibitors) and consider alternative therapies such as physical therapy, topical analgesics, or low‑dose antidepressants. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and renal function is advisable.
Urgent signs include: unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats; recent trauma with increasing pain; numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs; loss of bladder or bowel control (possible cauda‑equina syndrome); severe, unrelenting pain that does not improve with rest or OTC meds; and a history of cancer, osteoporosis, or long‑term steroid use. These warrant prompt evaluation.
Muscle strains usually cause localized tenderness, pain that worsens with movement of the involved muscle, and improve with rest and heat. Disc‑related pain often radiates down the leg (sciatica), is associated with numbness or tingling, and may be aggravated by prolonged sitting, coughing, or sneezing. If pain is sharp, shooting, or accompanied by leg weakness, an MRI or CT scan may be needed to evaluate disc pathology.
If pain is decreasing and you can move without sharp exacerbation, gentle range‑of‑motion exercises and short walks (5‑10 minutes) are encouraged after 48‑72 hours. Avoid high‑impact activities or deep forward bends until pain is mild. Start with pelvic tilts, knee‑to‑chest stretches, and cat‑cow motions, progressing slowly based on tolerance.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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