Most back pain gets better within a few weeks without treatment. Bed rest isn't recommended. Pain medicines available without a prescription often help reduce back pain. So might applying cold or heat to the painful area.

Seek emergency medical care

Call 911 or emergency medical help or have someone drive you to the emergency room if your back pain:

• Occurs after trauma, such as a car crash, bad fall or sports injury.
• Causes new bowel or bladder control problems.
• Occurs with a fever.

Schedule a doctor's visit

Call your healthcare professional if your back pain hasn't improved after a week of home treatment or if your back pain:

• Is constant or intense, especially at night or when lying down.
• Spreads down one or both legs, especially if it extends below the knee.
• Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs.
• Occurs with unintended weight loss.
• Occurs with swelling or change in skin color on the back.