Finding Relief from Back Pain: A Physician’s Guide

By Dr. Neil Patel | September 8th 2025

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems worldwide. It can range from a mild nuisance to a severe condition that interferes with sleep, work, and daily life. While most episodes improve with time, some cases require timely medical attention.

Common Causes of Back Pain

• Muscle or ligament strain – often from lifting, bending, or twisting.
• Degenerative changes – arthritis, disc wear and tear, or spinal stenosis.
• Disc problems – herniated or bulging discs that can irritate nerves.
• Poor posture or inactivity – prolonged sitting or lack of core strength.

Quick Relief Strategies

If your back pain is new, mild, and not associated with red flag symptoms (see below), these steps may help:

• Activity modification – Stay active but avoid movements or activities that sharply worsen pain. Prolonged bedrest is not recommended.
• Heat or ice – Ice can help with acute injuries; heat often eases muscle tension.
• Over-the-counter medications – Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) may reduce pain and inflammation if it is deemed safe for you to take.
• Gentle stretching and walking – Keeps blood flow moving and reduces stiffness.
• Supportive positioning – A firm mattress, lumbar support pillow, or sleeping with a pillow under the knees can sometimes help reduce strain.

When to Seek Medical Evaluation

• Pain lasting more than 3 weeks despite self-care.
• Recurrent flare-ups interfering with your daily life.
• Pain that radiates into the leg, hip, or buttock (possible sciatica).
• Persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness.
• Severe pain that disrupts sleep or impedes activities of daily living.

Interventional pain management physicians can offer advanced options if conservative measures aren’t enough. These may include:

• Targeted injections (such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks).
• Radiofrequency ablation for arthritis-related back pain.
• Minimally invasive procedures for joint pain or vertebral fractures.
• Coordinated physical therapy, lifestyle strategies, and medication management.
• Expedited referrals to surgeons when there is a concern possible surgical intervention may be needed.

Red Flag Symptoms – Seek Urgent Care

If you experience any of these, you should be evaluated promptly in the ER or by your doctor:

• Sudden, severe weakness in the legs.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Numbness in the groin or inner thighs (“saddle anesthesia”).
• Unexplained fever, chills, or recent infection.
• Unintentional weight loss or history of cancer with new back pain.
• Severe pain after a significant fall, accident, or trauma.

Take-Home Message

Most back pain improves with simple measures and time. But if your pain lingers, keeps returning, or limits your life, safe and effective treatments are available. Early evaluation can make a big difference, especially if red flag symptoms appear.