Should I go to ER for back pain?

Should I go to ER for back pain?

I'm 45 years old, and I have pretty bad back pain. I can't really walk right. Do you think I should go to the ER?

4 Answers

Dr. James Bragman

Emergency Physician

West Bloomfield, Michigan

Generally not. Most back pain is musculoskeletal and not a herniated disc and can be treated in the doctors office with non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like Motrin or Allieve along with muscle relaxants.

Dr. Timothy J. Chilcote

Emergency Physician

Overland Park, KS

Many things cause back pain. If you can’t walk then yes.

Kumar Alagappan

Emergency Physician

Houston, Texas

If you cannot walk, yes, go to the ER. You need to get some medication and have a family/personal physician follow up.

Dr. Nancy Qusba

Emergency Physician

Downers Grove, IL

Yes, you should. It could be your back, but there are many problems that could cause back pain, like peptic ulcer disease, kidney stones, pancreatic cancer, or gallbladder disease.