Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for low back pain. You might have a muscle strain. This happens when a muscle is stretched too much or works too hard. It can also happen if a muscle is stretched too quickly. This is also called a pulled muscle.
Many people get low back pain at some point. It usually gets better on its own.
You might be waiting on some tests results. The staff will contact you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Use heat to help with pain. Put a heating pad on your back for 20 minutes at a time a few times each day. Never go to sleep with heat on your back.
●Stay as active as you can without causing too much pain. It is OK to rest your back for a day or so. But get up and move around gently during the day as you can. After a few days, slowly start to increase your activity. If something causes your pain to come back or get worse, stop and go back to doing easier activities that did not hurt.
●Protect your back as much as you can. Limit sports, twisting, and heavy lifting until your pain is fully gone.
●Do not sit or stand in 1 position for a long time.
●Try sleeping with a pillow under or between your knees to ease pain.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if you:
•Cannot walk
•Cannot control your bowels or bladder
•Develop a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, or night sweats
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your legs are numb, weak, or tingly.
●Your pain is getting worse, even with medicines and rest.
●You get a rash.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Low back pain in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Do I need an X-ray (or other test) for low back pain? (The Basics)
Patient education: Muscle strain (The Basics)
Patient education: Low back pain in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Back pain in children and adolescents (Beyond the Basics)
