Most people's back pain goes away in about a week or two, but if the pain is prolonged or chronic, it's time to see a spine specialist. Most back pain goes away after a few days, but if you've been in pain for more than a week, it's time to call your doctor. The doctor will do whatever tests or tests are needed to help get to the bottom of the pain before it becomes a major problem. As with many health problems, prevention and early treatment of problems are critical. Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts three months or longer.
It can come and go and often provides temporary relief followed by frustration. Dealing with chronic back pain can be especially difficult if the cause isn't known. Nearly everyone has low back pain at some point. The good news is that most low back pain will go away in a few days or weeks with some basic personal care. Some people fear that exercising too much can make their pain worse.
In the past, people stayed in bed thinking that this would help their backs. Now doctors think that, in most cases, returning to normal activities is good for your back, as long as you avoid doing things that make the pain worse. Nearly everyone experiences low back pain at some point in their lives. The pain can range from mild to severe. However, long-lasting (chronic) low back pain is also common: up to 23% of adults worldwide have chronic low back pain.
In extreme cases, low back pain can make it difficult or impossible to walk, sleep, work, or do everyday activities. Most back pain gets better within a few weeks without treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers often help reduce back pain. You may also do so by applying cold or heat to the painful area.
