It can be challenging to know when to seek emergency care for severe back pain. While many instances of back pain can be managed at home or with a visit to your primary care provider, certain symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room.

This article explains how an emergency room team approaches severe back pain, helping you understand what to expect.

When To Go to the ER for Back Pain

First, it’s essential to distinguish between back pain that can be managed at home and an actual emergency. If any of the following symptoms accompany your back pain, seek immediate medical attention:

• Loss of bladder control
• Numbness in the groin
• Leg weakness
• High fever
• Pain after a fall

These could be signs of a serious underlying condition that requires prompt treatment.

Back Pain Evaluation in an ER

When you arrive at the emergency room, your care will likely begin with a process called triage. This initial assessment is crucial for understanding the severity of your condition. A care team member will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and the events leading up to your back pain.

Following this, a healthcare provider will conduct a thorough physical examination. This typically involves:

• Assessing your range of motion.
• Testing your reflexes.
• Checking for numbness or weakness.

This hands-on evaluation helps the provider pinpoint the potential source of your pain and determine the next steps in your diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic Tests for Severe Back Pain

To get a clearer picture of what’s causing your severe back pain, the provider may order one or more diagnostic tests. These imaging studies can help identify issues with the bones, discs, and nerves in your spine.

Common tests include:

• An X-ray to check for fractures or other bone problems.
• A CT scan for a more detailed look at the bones and soft tissues.
• An MRI to visualize the spinal cord and associated structures.
• An electromyography (EMG) test to assess nerve function.

The results of these tests guide the emergency room team in developing an appropriate treatment plan.

ER Treatment for Severe Back Pain

The primary goal of emergency room treatment for severe back pain is to stabilize your condition and relieve your immediate symptoms. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of your pain, but it may include:

• Pain medication to reduce discomfort.
• Muscle relaxers to ease muscle spasms.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease inflammation.

In most cases, the emergency department will not provide long-term treatment for back pain. Your primary care provider or specialist can help with that. The focus in the ER is on addressing the acute problem and making sure you are stable before discharge.

Follow-Up Care for Back Pain

Once your condition is stable, you’ll likely be discharged with instructions for follow-up care. This is a critical part of your recovery, as the underlying cause of your back pain may require ongoing management.

Your discharge plan may include:

• A referral to your primary care provider.
• A referral to an orthopedist or neurologist.
• A prescription for pain management medication.

It’s important to follow through with these recommendations to support your recovery and help reduce the chances of future episodes of severe back pain. If you need a clinician for follow-up, visit our Baptist Health provider directory.

Need emergency help now? Find an ER near you.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

What to Expect at the ER
Emergency Room for Headaches: When Should You Go?
Hands-Only CPR and When to Use It
Choosing Urgent Care or the Emergency Room