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Back Pain

If you have back pain, you’re far from alone. Eight out of ten people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, according to the US National Library of Medicine. In most cases, you can manage back pain at home. However, it can be a medical emergency.

If your back pain is an emergency, visit UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care. You do not need to make an appointment at any of our urgent care and emergency room facilities. Our ER-trained physicians can diagnose and treat your back pain so you can start the recovery process.

Lower Back Pain Causes

Some medical conditions can be traced to a single cause, but that’s not the case with lower back pain.

If you have lower back pain, it might be due to:

  • Muscle strain or a ligament sprain
  • Herniated disc
  • Sacroiliac or facet joint dysfunction
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Scoliosis
  • Kyphosis
  • Fracture
  • Dislocation

Because there are so many back pain causes, going to a doctor for a proper diagnosis is essential.

Back Pain Relief

If your back pain isn’t a medical emergency, you can manage the symptoms at home. With proper management, you should experience relief.

Cold and heat therapies can relieve symptoms of lower back pain. Use ice for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and numb the area. Then, switch to heat therapy to increase blood flow and soothe your muscles. You should also keep moving to avoid stiff back muscles. If the pain is so intense that you need to spend time in bed, limit it to no more than three hours at a time so your muscles won’t have time to stiffen. Also, you can promote healing with light exercises, such as walking. When walking, avoid uneven pavement and cracks so you don’t aggravate your back condition.

When to Visit the ER for Back Pain

While back pain can typically be managed at home, that’s not always the case. If you experience significant symptoms, you need emergency medical care.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you:

  • Cannot stand or walk
  • Cannot control bladder or bowel movements
  • Have trouble passing urine
  • Have pain that radiates from your back to the abdomen
  • Lose sensation in your legs, genital area, or anal region
  • Notice the back pain immediately after an injury or trauma

If at-home treatment doesn’t alleviate the pain or you have a medical emergency, visit UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care. Our ER-trained physicians can diagnose and treat your back pain.

Our Emergency & Urgent Care Centers are open 24/7 to treat back pain.