Signs Your Back Pain May Be Serious
Most episodes of back pain will get better in a few days, but sometimes the reason for back pain can be more serious. You should call your doctor if you have a new episode of back pain and:
- You are over 50 years old or less than 20 years old
- You have symptoms of fever or chills, or have had a recent infection
- You have chest pain along with your back pain
- You have been in a traumatic accident or have had a fall
- You have shooting pain that goes down into your leg or arm
- You have weakness in the leg or arm, or loss of sensation that is getting worse
- You lose control of your bladder or bowel, or have numbness in the genital area
- You have unexplained weight loss along with your back pain
- You have nausea and vomiting or trouble breathing
- You have osteoporosis
- You have had cancer
- You have any condition affecting the immune system
- Your pain gets noticeably worse when you lay down, or is worse at night
- You have had recent medical procedures
- You have new back pain that simply does not improve over time
Above content provided by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
For advice about your medical care, consult your doctor.