Most back pains not resulting directly from physical injury do not require immediate medical attention. However, you should take precautions when severe back pain occurs, whether it builds up gradually or results suddenly from a specific incident. If you experience side effects with your pain, you may have to treat them separately.

            When a back injury occurs, treating it improperly is one of the worst things you can do for the pain. If you are not careful, you may also increase the extent of the damage, and extend the time needed for relief or treatment. If you experience the following symptoms with your back pain, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately:

     -    Sudden bowel or bladder movements

     -    A progressive feeling of weakness in the legs

     -    Severe or constant pain in the lower back or abdominal region

            Below are some steps you should take if you experience severe or sudden back pain that you do not consider to be a medical emergency. If your severe back pain lasts for more than a few hours, you should contact a medical professional or back pain treatment center.

Things to do in case of severe back pain:

      -    Avoid any bending, twisting, lifting or sudden upper body movements

      -    Lay face down on the floor to relieve pressure on your spine

      -    Apply a hot compress or heat pack to help reduce muscle spasms

      -    Take painkillers or other back pain medications to reduce immediate pain

      -    Be careful that your posture does not put much stress on your back or cause you
            to bend it too far or repeatedly

      -    Take greater care when going from laying down to sitting up or standing, and
            when going from standing to sitting or laying down

      -    Use your arms to take weight of your back when standing up to avoid lunging
            forward

      -    Allow a friend or partner to massage the affected area, but stop them if it
            increases the pain

      -    If you are able, slowly attempt back stretches or exercises, but stop if pain
            increases

      -    Do not return to the activity that caused the pain until it has stopped completely

             Many products that can help relieve your pain can be purchased from back pain product vendors, both online and locally. If none of the steps listed above help relieve your pain, seek professional advice.