Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work, and it is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Most people have back pain at least once.

Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent or relieve most back pain episodes. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics often will heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain. Signs and symptoms of back pain can include: Muscle ache, shooting or stabbing pain, pain that radiates down your leg, pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing or walking, pain that improves with reclining.

Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. If yours doesn’t improve in that time, you should see Dr. Whiteley. In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care if your back pain: 

• Causes new bowel or bladder problems

• Is accompanied by fever

• Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury

Contact Doctor Whiteley if your back pain:

• Is severe and doesn’t improve with rest

• Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee

• Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs

• Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss

If you are having back problems Dr. Whiteley has special training as an Osteopathic physician with many years of experience with back conditions of all types and he encourages you to schedule an appointment to have your case evaluated and arrangements can be made to customize your care for your personal needs.