The phrase “when your back goes out” describes a sudden, intense pain in the back. This common experience causes significant discomfort and temporary limitations in movement. Understanding what happens and how to respond can help manage the situation and prevent future occurrences.
What ‘When Your Back Goes Out’ Means
The sensation of a back “going out” involves an abrupt onset of sharp or dull pain, frequently accompanied by muscle spasms, stiffness, and difficulty moving or standing upright. This acute episode, while painful, usually stems from conditions such as muscle strain, ligament sprain, or minor joint irritation, rather than a severe structural injury. It is the body’s protective response to perceived instability or injury, often leading to muscle contractions that limit movement to safeguard the spine. The pain can range from mild to severe.
Common Reasons Your Back Goes Out
Several factors can lead to an acute back pain episode. A common cause is muscle strain, which involves overstretching or tearing of back muscles, often from sudden movements, heavy lifting, or repetitive actions. Similarly, ligament sprains, injuries to the tough tissues connecting bones, occur due to twisting or awkward movements. These soft tissue injuries can cause inflammation, swelling, and muscle spasms.
Another contributing factor is irritation of the facet joints, small joints in the spine that can become inflamed or temporarily “stuck” with sudden motions or prolonged poor posture. While less frequent, a disc bulge or herniation can also trigger severe pain and muscle spasms by pressing on nearby nerves. Underlying issues like muscle weakness, particularly in the core, or prolonged poor posture can predispose individuals to these acute episodes by placing stress on the spine.
What to Do Immediately
When your back goes out, immediate actions can help manage pain and aid recovery. Initially, rest for a short period, though complete bed rest is not recommended as it can lead to stiffness and delay healing. Gentle movement, such as short walks or light stretches if pain allows, promotes blood flow and prevents muscles from stiffening.
Applying cold therapy, like an ice pack wrapped in a towel, to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time during the first 48 to 72 hours reduces inflammation and pain. After this initial period, or if stiffness is more prominent, heat therapy, such as a warm compress or heating pad, relaxes tense muscles and increases blood flow. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce both pain and inflammation, while acetaminophen also manages pain. Finding comfortable positions, such as lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat, or with a pillow under the knees or between them if lying on your side, also alleviates pressure.
When to See a Doctor
While many acute episodes improve with self-care, certain “red flag” symptoms require medical attention. Consult a doctor if the pain is severe and doesn’t improve within days or worsens. Seek immediate medical care if the pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet, as this signals nerve involvement.
A sudden loss of bladder or bowel control alongside back pain is a serious symptom requiring immediate medical attention. Pain that follows a significant fall or injury, or is accompanied by unexplained fever, chills, or unintended weight loss, also requires prompt evaluation. If pain radiates down one or both legs, commonly known as sciatica, it suggests a potential nerve issue that requires professional assessment.
How to Prevent Your Back From Going Out
Proactive strategies reduce future back pain episodes. Employ proper lifting techniques by bending at your knees and hips, lifting with your legs, and keeping the object close to your body to minimize strain on your back. Regular core strengthening exercises, which target abdominal and back muscles, support the spine and improve stability.
Maintaining overall fitness through regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, keeps muscles strong and flexible. Managing a healthy weight is important, as excess body weight stresses the spine. Practicing good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping maintains the natural curves of the spine and distributes weight evenly. Adjusting your workspace with ergonomic considerations, such as using an adjustable chair and placing your computer monitor at eye level, supports spinal health.