Overview
Most back pain improves within a few weeks with movement, targeted exercise and short-term pain control. Imaging is usually reserved for pain that persists, follows an injury, or comes with nerve symptoms such as weakness or numbness down a leg.
Common symptoms
- • Aching or stiffness along the spine
- • Sharp pain with bending or lifting
- • Pain radiating into the buttock or leg
- • Muscle spasm
When to seek care
- • Pain after a fall or accident
- • Weakness, numbness, or shooting pain down a leg
- • Loss of bladder or bowel control (seek emergency care)
- • Pain lasting more than 6 weeks
Specialists who treat back pain
Providers accepting patients
See allDr. Mei Mitchell
Physical Therapy
Macon, GA
Dr. James Bailey
Physical Therapy
Atlanta, GA
Dr. Priya Khan
Physical Therapy
Greenville, SC
Dr. Amanda Rivera
Physical Therapy
Macon, GA
Dr. Olu King
Physical Therapy
Charleston, SC
Dr. Priya White
Physical Therapy
Asheville, NC
Dr. Michael Rodriguez
Physical Therapy
Myrtle Beach, SC
Dr. Sofia Hernandez
Physical Therapy
Greensboro, NC
Frequently asked questions
- Should I see a chiropractor or a physical therapist?
- Both treat mechanical back pain. Physical therapy emphasizes strengthening and movement retraining; chiropractic emphasizes manual adjustment. Many people respond to either, and a primary care visit first helps rule out other causes.
- When is surgery considered?
- Usually only after several weeks of non-surgical care, and typically when imaging shows nerve compression that matches your symptoms.
This page is general health education, not medical advice, and does not create a patient relationship. Talk with a licensed clinician about your situation. In an emergency, call 911.