Back Pain

Back pain is a common symptom of many different conditions and diseases. Pain may be present for days or months. Our specialists can identify the cause of pain and provide treatment.

Call 801-585-6065 to schedule an evaluation

Causes of back pain

Back pain can be caused by any of the following conditions:

Treatment

In order to treat your back pain, your doctor must first diagnose the cause of your pain. Your doctor will do a physical examination and ask you questions about your pain. If necessary, they may also order imaging or other tests.

1 / At-home treatment

Some people find relief with at-home treatments that can reduce pain for a short time. These options are not a long-term solution for treatment of severe pain. You may try low-impact physical activity (like swimming or walking), applying ice and heat to the area, traction, or stretching.

2 / Conservative treatment

Your primary care doctor may recommend medications, including pain relievers, acetaminophen, muscle relaxers, or injections, or therapies, including physical therapy, yoga, acupuncture, or cognitive behavior therapy to treat your pain.

3 / Surgical treatment

If your pain is severe or the underlying condition causing you pain requires it, your doctor may recommend surgery.

When to call a doctor

Back pain will often resolve itself with time. Call your primary care doctor if you experience any of the following:

Severe back pain
Pain that doesn't improve within a week
Pain is accompanied by severe or sudden weight loss

Call 911 or go to the closest emergency room if any of the following accompany your back pain:

Difficulty walking or loss of coordination
Fever, nausea, vomiting
Loss of bladder control
Muscle spasms or weakness
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs
Severe abdominal pain

Why choose University of Utah Neurosurgery Spine Group?

We are the destination for complex spine patients in the Mountain West. Our spine surgeons perform a high volume of procedures each year, and are both experienced and successful. We also publish our research findings for other physicians and surgeons to learn.

With the University of Utah Health Neurosurgery Spine Group, you will receive care from an experienced team of experts who are national leaders in spine surgery and who train residents, fellows, and other physicians.