Back pain treatment available online today

In order to treat your back pain, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to discuss a treatment plan to help relieve your back pain. If needed, get a new prescription to treat back pain or refill an existing prescription today.*

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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of back pain. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Learn about back pain

Back pain is categorized as discomfort in the back. Back pain is often described as painful muscle spasms and can last any period of time. Doctors describe back pain that lasts less than 4 weeks as acute back pain, and back pain that lasts more than 12 weeks is called chronic back pain. Chronic low back pain is often felt with tight muscles and is characterized as a painful area in the lower back region of your body. Muscles around the vertebrae are the affected area.

Back pain causes

Many different factors can cause back pain, and the pain can feel different for different people. People often refer to "throwing out" their backs when they strain one or more muscles in their back. Straining your back muscles can be extremely painful. Most back pain is caused by what doctors call nonspecific back pain, and is rarely caused by a disease, specific abnormality, serious spinal injury, or neurological disorders. Nonspecific back pain occurs in more than 85% of people who report back pain. Doctors have been able to identify known causes that make back pain worse.

  • Muscle sprains

    Back pain can be caused by muscle sprains resulting from heavy lifting, sudden movements, shoveling, or bending over. Sudden movements can trigger a sudden onset of pain. This type of pain is usually related to a strain in one or more muscles in the lower back and can be severe.

  • Ruptured disks

    The bones in your back are called vertebrae and they are small bones stacked on top of another. Your back is made up of vertebrae, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Pain signals are felt due to the entanglement of nerve endings around your spinal cord and vertebrae. The vertebrae are numbered from top to bottom. From top to bottom, the regions of the back are listed as:

    • Cervical (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7)

    • Thoracic (T1 through T12)

    • Lumbar (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5)

    • Sacral (S1, S2)

    The most common areas for back pain are L4, L5, and S1.

    The spinal cord passes through the openings of the back of the vertebrae and small nerves called nerve roots. Between each vertebra is a disc composed of outer tissue with a gel-like substance inside the disc. These discs protect the bones, acting like cushions, while decreasing nerve compression.

  • Arthritis

    Aging also naturally increases back pain and is a risk factor for low back pain. Arthritis is a general term that means inflammation of the joints. There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the once most commonly thought of when people say they have arthritis. Arthritis can affect the joints including the hands, back, knees, and hips. Arthritis often comes with aging. As you age, you are more at risk for arthritis. The best treatment for back pain caused by arthritis is to apply heat and avoid bed rest. Having strong muscles will take the strain off of your joints.

  • Osteoporosis

    Osteoporosis is a bone disease that makes your bones weak. Compression fractures caused by osteoporosis happen because the bones are weak and thin. Broken bones can easily occur when you have osteoporosis which is why it is important to make your home "fall safe." It sounds simple, but many fractures can be prevented if you reduce your chance of falling down.

  • Structural problems

    Structural problems such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, ruptured discs, scoliosis, narrowing of the spinal column, vertebrae fractures, and spondylolisthesis cause back pain.

    • Degenerative disc disease is caused by aging and occurs when the discs between the vertebrae of the spine break down.

    • Herniated or ruptured discs are irritated by the nerves surrounding the spinal column due to nerve compression. Imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan can reveal herniated disks.

    • Scoliosis is the congenital changes to the spine such as an overtly curved spinal column.

    • Spinal stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spinal column, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and causes nerve compression.

    • Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips out of place.

  • Other serious causes of back pain include:

    • Aging

    • Degenerative disk disease

    • Bulging discs

    • Herniated discs

    • Osteoarthritis

    • Inflammatory conditions

    • Compression fractures

    • Lumbar spine stenosis from bone spurs

    • Occupational back pain

Back pain symptoms

    • Ache or pain in the back, especially when lifting or bending

    • Worsening pain when resting, sitting, or standing for long periods of time

    • Muscle pain

    • Muscle weakness

    • Pain in the back and abdominal muscles

    • Potentially: leg pain

    • Stiffness in the morning

    • Pain that radiates from your back to other areas of your body like buttocks, legs, or abdomen

How to treat back pain

Back pain treatment aims to relieve pain. Many treatments are available to reduce pain. Having nonspecific back pain can be frustrating as there is not an identifiable cause to point to. Luckily, back pain has been shown to resolve on its own in a few weeks. Applying heat and getting back to being active can help speed up your recovery. You should see a doctor if your back pain does not improve after a few weeks.

Back pain relief options include medications, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, alternative therapies, and physical therapy.

Medications such as cortisone injections, strong pain relievers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat back pain. If pain persists, other medications may be prescribed as well.

Your doctor may provide a referral to alternative treatments such as physical therapy or massage therapy. A trained physical therapist can relieve discomfort and strengthen muscles and reduce muscle tension, while a massage therapist can minimize muscle spasms.

Back pain medication

Specific medication and treatment will be advised by a doctor after a medical evaluation. A doctor can prescribe medications for back pain after a physical exam and medical consultation. Both prescription medication and over the counter medications are used to treat back pain.

How to prevent back pain

Remaining active helps keep your weight down, builds strong muscles, and increases blood flow. Both stretching and exercise help to reduce stiffness and prevent back injuries. Although lifting heavy does not always cause back pain, poor lifting technique causes back pain. Rounding of the back while lifting a heavy object puts too much strain on your back muscles. The use of core muscles while lifting heaving is advised as activated core muscles help to take the strain off of your back muscles.

  • Improve posture by sitting upright and having your legs straight: Poor posture can cause back pain. Slouching forward puts extra pressure on your upper and lower back. Sit upright with your legs straight to help with pain back caused by poor posture.

  • Stretch regularly

  • Exercise frequently

  • Avoid heavy lifting

  • Stay active

  • Maintain a healthy weight

When to see a doctor for back pain

Back pain can feel scary, but when should you see a doctor for your back pain? Seek emergency medical treatment if you have the following symptoms:

  • Severe pain or injury

  • Pain that does not go away, even at night or when lying down

  • Leg weakness in one or both legs

  • Problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function

  • Back pain accompanied with weight loss

  • Back pain with fever

  • New back pain if you are over 70 years old

  • Back pain after falling or an accident

Related conditions to back pain

Back pain FAQs

  • What is the most common cause of back pain?

    Muscle strain is the most common cause of back pain.

  • What is the best treatment for lower back pain?

    Applying an ice pack, heat pack, exercising, stretching, or taking medications are the best treatments for lower back pain.

  • What is the best treatment for chronic back pain?

    Maintaining a healthy weight, good posture, stretching, and exercise are the best treatment for chronic back pain.

  • How do you treat back pain?

    If there is a known cause, treat that cause; otherwise, over-the-counter medications and prescription medications can treat back pain.

  • How long can back pain last?

    Back pain can last less than 4 weeks and up to 12 weeks.

  • How do I know if my back pain is serious?

    If you have numbness, tingling, pain after an accident, constant pain, or chronic pain, seek medical help.

3 simple steps to request back pain treatment today

Step 1

Book a back pain treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your back pain symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription to treat back pain.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Back pain treatment pricing details

How pricing works

To request back pain treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

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If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.