Back pain
An aching or stiff back can have several causes. New neurological symptoms or changes in bladder or bowel function require urgent attention.
Common symptoms
- Aching, dull pain in the back
- Muscle stiffness
- Limited range of motion in your back
A useful care conversation
Explain how the pain began, any injury and how it affects walking or daily activities. Mention pain traveling into a leg, numbness or weakness. A clinician can discuss symptom management and the need for an examination; the cause cannot always be determined remotely.
When to seek more care
- Go to an emergency department for new loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty urinating, numbness around the groin, or weakness or numbness in both legs.
- Get prompt assessment for severe, rapidly worsening pain or fever.
General educational information, not a diagnosis or a complete symptom checker. The right care depends on your circumstances.
For an emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a Tap reply or send a photo first.
About this information
Adapted from Tap’s published care-topic library. Original publication: 2025-01-01. Prepared for this guide: 2026-09-07. Preparation is not a clinical-review certification.
The clinician decides whether advice, testing, an examination or a prescription is appropriate. A listed topic does not guarantee remote treatment or a refill. Tap does not prescribe controlled substances.