Dr. Declan Ryan
In personIMC verified
Back pain
Back pain can be felt in the neck, upper back or lower back. Many cases relate to muscles or posture, but pain with weakness, bladder problems, fever or injury needs urgent medical assessment.
When to get emergency care
Get emergency help immediately if you have any of these:
- Back pain with new weakness, numbness, or tingling in both legs.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the private parts.
- Back pain after a fall, road accident or injury.
- Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, cancer history or severe night pain.
- Back pain with chest pain, severe abdominal pain, fainting, or severe pain during pregnancy.
Get emergency help or call 112
Common causes
- Muscle strain from lifting, bending or long sitting.
- Poor posture or weak back and core muscles.
- Disc or nerve irritation.
- Arthritis or age-related spine changes.
- Kidney or other internal problems that can feel like back pain.
What to expect at your consultation
- A clinician may ask about injury, work, lifting, leg symptoms, fever and bladder or bowel changes.
- They may check movement, nerve strength and sensation.
- Imaging or urgent referral may be needed when red flags are present.
Looking after yourself
- Keep gentle movement as tolerated and avoid heavy lifting while pain is active.
- Use supportive posture when sitting, standing and sleeping.
- Seek medical advice if pain is severe, follows injury, spreads down the leg, or does not improve.
Frequently asked questions
- When is back pain an emergency?
- Back pain with leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around private parts, fever or injury needs urgent care.
- Can kidney problems cause back pain?
- Yes, kidney or urine problems can cause pain in the back or side, often with urine symptoms or fever.
- Is bed rest always best for back pain?
- Long bed rest is often not helpful. Gentle movement may be useful, but severe pain or red flags need medical advice.
- Which specialist treats back pain?
- An orthopedic surgeon can assess spine, bone and joint causes. A neurologist may help if nerve symptoms are prominent.
Not sure how urgent this is?
Answer a few questions and we will tell you how soon to be seen.
Check my symptomsWhich doctor should I see?
- Orthopedic Surgeon Best fit for spine, bone, disc or injury-related back pain.
- General Physician Can assess common causes and identify warning signs.
- Neurologist Helpful when there is weakness, numbness or nerve-type pain.
Not sure? See a general physician
Related doctors
Verified profiles for back pain start with orthopedic surgeon.
Not sure which doctor fits? See a general physician