What should I be concerned about?

Posted in: Assessment, Well Being    Keywords: ,


Low back pain is rarely due to serious health problems. Your doctor will look for signs and symptoms that may be of concern to determine whether there is a chance that your low back pain is related to a potentially serious illness. We refer to these signs and symptoms as “red flags.” It’s important to have a doctor examine you if any of these red flags apply to you, even if you choose to manage your own low back pain at home.

See your doctor about your low back pain if any of the following are true:
• You currently have or have ever had cancer
• You currently have or have ever had a weak immune system
• You have ever had osteoporosis (brittle or weakened bones)
• You were prescribed corticosteroid drugs, like prednisone, for more than four weeks
• You recently had an accident such as a fall or a car wreck
• You recently had a urinary tract infection
• You recently had a fever or chills
• You recently lost a lot of weight without trying
• You have recently been unable to control your bladder or bowels
• You have felt numbness in the groin, genitals or buttocks
• You have felt weakness in the legs that made walking difficult
• Your low back pain or leg pain has woken you up at night
• You have ever taken drugs injected with a needle

The red flags do not mean you have a serious condition. They simply mean that you should see your doctor about your low back pain. The doctor can then evaluate your situation by asking questions and doing physical and neurological examinations. Only rarely are other tests required to rule out potentially serious conditions.

Once the doctor has determined that your low back pain is not due to any serious illness (which is the case in the vast majority of people with low back pain), you may choose to manage your own low back pain at home.

 
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