Back Problems and Injuries

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Pain in the upper back with chest pain that is crushing, squeezing, or feels like a heavy weight on your chest or that occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack
• Signs of shock
• Back pain that follows a severe injury, such as a:
  • Motor vehicle accident
  • Fall from a height of 5 m (15 ft) or higher
  • Major sports-related injury
  • Direct blow to the spine with a moving object
  • Forceful strike on top of the head
  • Very hard fall on the buttocks that sent pain into your back
  • Penetrating injury, such as a gunshot wound or stab wound
• Symptoms of a spinal cord injury immediately following a back injury, including:
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Weakness in the legs
  • Numbness or tingling in the buttocks, genital area, or legs

Note: If you think that a person has injured his or her spine, do not move the person unless there is an immediate threat to his or her life, such as a fire. If there is immediate danger, keep the person's head, neck, and back supported and in a straight line while you move him or her to a safe place. See first aid for a spinal injury.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Back pain with flank pain and urinary problems: Go to the topic Urinary Problems, Age 12 and Older.
• Bleeding: Go to the topic Cuts.
• Pregnant and a back problem not caused by an injury: Go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems.

Yes	Do you have leg weakness?
Yes	Do you have a urinary or bowel problem after an injury?
Yes	Do you have numbness or tingling in the genital area, buttocks, leg, or foot?
Yes	Do you have back pain or tenderness?
Yes	Did you have a tailbone (coccyx) injury?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Back pain and abdominal problems: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain.
• Cramping back pain that may be caused by your menstrual period: Go to the topic Menstrual Cramps.
• Neck pain: Go to the topic Neck Problems and Injuries.
• Shoulder pain: Go to the topic Shoulder Problems and Injuries.
• A burn, scrape, or bite: Go to the topic Burns, Scrapes, or Animal and Human Bites.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: October 3, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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