When should I see a doctor for back pain?

If back pain lasts longer than six weeks, worsens, or includes neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness, seek medical attention.

What are signs that back pain may be an emergency?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain with fever, loss of bladder control, inability to walk, or sudden numbness in your legs.

Should I go to urgent care or the emergency room for back pain?

Urgent care is best for non-emergency cases like muscle strains or mild pain. The ER is necessary for suspected spinal cord injuries, severe weakness, or loss of bladder control.

Will I receive narcotics for back pain treatment?

Opioids are rarely prescribed for back pain unless there is a serious condition. Most cases are managed with physical therapy, NSAIDs, and lifestyle modifications.

When to Seek Medical Help for Back Pain

Seeking Medical Help 

Most back and neck pain is not a medical emergency. But if there has been no improvement after a few weeks it may be time to seek medical care.

a physician managing back pain for a patient

Points of Contact

Back pain is a frustratingly common issue with a variety of causes, and it can be hard to know where to start. Thankfully, help can be found by choosing any of the following options.

Primary Care

Connect with your primary care provider via Riverside MyChart to discuss your issue and, if needed, schedule a visit.

Access Clinic

Make a same-day or next-business-day appointment at an orthopedic Access Clinic for prompt assessment and treatment.

Urgent Care

Walk into an M.D. Express Urgent Care clinic, or reserve your spot online, for easy access to care seven days a week.

Riverside Nurse

If you’re unsure what type of care is most appropriate for you, call one of our registered nurses at any hour of the day.

Emergency Care for Back Pain

When to Seek Medical Help Immediately

Some severe conditions require immediate care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.  

1. Any suspected spinal cord injury 

2. Back pain with unexplained weight loss 

3. Intense back pain with any of the following: 

Inability to stand or walk
Inability to elevate foot off the ground
New onset loss of bladder and bowel control
Numbness in the pelvis, groin, thighs or buttocks
Sudden numbness in one or both legs
High fever (over 101.0 F)
Intense pain not controlled by over-the-counter medications

Find a Riverside Emergency Room near you

Will I Receive Narcotics?

While back pain can be debilitating, it is rarely managed with opioid medications such as morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl or codeine. Patients should not expect to receive a prescription for opioid pain medications as a first-line treatment for acute or chronic back pain at a physician visit or in the emergency department.

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