A few symptoms of low back pain can indicate that you have a potentially serious issue.

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It’s normal to get back pain occasionally, but some symptoms can suggest there could be something more serious going on.

You had a specific event or injury initiate your symptoms

If you have a specific event or injury that initiated your symptoms, it’s important to be evaluated by a doctor. This could include:

  • Falling or being involved in a car accident
  • A history of back pain that has worsened
  • Suddenly being unable to move your legs or feet

You have fever or chills with your back pain

If you have fever or chills with your back pain, this could be a sign of infection or another medical cause of your back pain. Fever and chills can be caused by an infection that may need to be treated with antibiotics.

If you have both fever and chills, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately because these symptoms could indicate something more serious than an uncomplicated acute low back strain.

Your back pain radiates down one leg.

Your back pain radiates down one leg to the foot, below the knee, or around to the outside of your leg, and you have numbness, tingling or weakness in one leg only.

These could be signs that you have a herniated disc in your low back. An MRI scan can confirm this diagnosis.

Your back pain is worsening and not improving within a few weeks

Often trying a period of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, heat or ice, or even seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist can be a good start if you’re dealing with a new onset of low back pain. If it isn’t getting better within several weeks, or if your symptoms are getting worse, then seeing an orthopedic surgeon or spine specialist can help you figure out what the actual injury is and start a treatment that helps you heal, overcome the pain, and allow you to return to what you love to do.

We are looking for 5 patients with low back pain pain who want to get significantly better in the next 30 days, without cortisone shots, physical therapy, or surgery. Click this link and enter the term ‘Interested’ in the description box to learn more.

This post is meant for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.