Back Pain

Learn more about back pain and how it is treated.

Overview

Back pain is pain in the muscles or bones of the back. It can be caused by injury, poor posture, job-related strain or poor body movement.

These injuries are some of the most painful and difficult to treat because they involve many muscles and nerves.

Your care

Learn more about the specialized care provided in the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Hospital.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Managing at home

Managing back pain at home

Remaining active is the best way to improve your back pain. It reduces back spasms and prevents loss of strength in the muscles. Long periods of bed rest are not advised.

If your pain is severe, bed rest may be needed for one day only. While lying in bed, the most comfortable position may be to lie on your side with a pillow between your bent knees. You can also lie on your back with a pillow below your knees and behind your neck/head.

You can apply heat to the painful area of your back for 10 minutes at a time, as needed. Be careful not to burn yourself.

A physician may provide you with a prescription or recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medication. Please take all of your medications as directed.

You should continue doing light exercises and activities, such as walking, while you recover. Do not perform exercises that involve bending and/or twisting your back. If an activity makes your back pain feel worse, do not continue.

Your family physician can help to further assess your pain as you recover.

When to return to the ED

Return to the Emergency Department if you experience any of the following symptoms.

Inability to control your bowel or bladder
Fever
Weakness or numbness of your arms/legs
Numbness in your perianal area (the skin around the anus)
Worsening pain, despite taking pain medication

Additional resources

The following evidence-based resources provide more information about back pain.

Imaging tests for lower back pain: Information from Choosing Wisely on when imaging tests are needed to assess back pain, and when they are not.
Treating lower back pain: Information from Choosing Wisely on bed rest during back pain, including how much is too much.
Low Back Pain: Video from Dr. Mike Evans, associate professor at the University of Toronto and staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital.
Physiotherapy exercises for low back pain: Video from Rebalance Sports Medicine Physiotherapy and Chiropractic.