Back Pain: When Should I see a Doctor?

How To Tell When Its Time To See A Doctor About Back Pain

When back pain occurs, it can be debilitating. Some people are quick to see the doctor, only to be told that there is nothing that can be done, aside from rest and some pain medication. Others decide to wait out the pain on their own, and while this may be the smart thing to do, there are instances when seeking professional medical help is necessary.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has identified several symptoms associated with back pain when medical care should be sought:

• If lower back pain is accompanied by numbness or tingling.
• If the pain was triggered by a fall or injury.
• If the back pain is severe and does not go away with rest or medication.
• If any symptoms such as trouble urinating, fever, weakness or numbness in the legs, or unintentional weight loss occurs in addition to the pain.

In some cases, back pain may get worse at night, or be so severe that it awakens you from a deep sleep. This could also be an indication of fibromyalgia.

If lower back pain occurs suddenly, that could be a symptom of the tearing of the aorta in the abdomen, according to spine-health.com. These are cases when getting a doctor's evaluation are also important.

Any of the outlined symptoms could be an indication of a more serious illness. If you are experiencing back pain of any sort, it is best to monitor the pain and determine whether or not you feel it is wise to seek medical attention, or if the pain subsides in time.

Reference URL: http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/back_pain/default.asp#6

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