What Are The Chances My Back Pain Will Get Better On Its Own Without Treatment?

Steven C. Ludwig, M.D., Chief of Spine Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center

November 12, 2008

Question: If I Do Not Get Treatment, What Are The Chances My Back Pain Will Get Better On Its Own?

Answer: Back pain usually goes away on its own. About 90 percent of patients with low back pain will recover within 6 weeks.

Many things can cause back pain and some people recover faster than others. The pain may feel either sharp or dull, it can be felt constantly or intermittently, and the pain can range from mild to severe.

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The most common type of back pain is often referred to as mechanical and is characterized as low back pain that gets worse with certain activities; low back pain that gets worse with certain positions such as sitting for long periods of time; and low back pain that is relieved by rest.

Again, with time the symptoms should get better. However if low back pain persists for more than 6 to 8 weeks, then additional testing may be advised to diagnose and treat the source of low back pain.

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