While back pain is very common in general population and usually gets better with time, there are some ‘SIGNS’ that are necessary to look for and needs medical attention.
- Lower limb (Leg) symptoms
Radiating pain in legs associated with tingling/ numbness is usually a sign of nerve irritation or compression that needs evaluation.
- Weakness in legs
Any weakness in legs or imbalance while walking should not be taken lightly. This is uncommon but sinister and urgent opinion of Spine Specialist is sought for.
- Loss of urine/ motion control
Any bowel bladder incontinence associated with back/ leg pain needs to be evaluated and treated by a specialist urgently as this though uncommon, may sometimes be irreversible.
- Pain in children or elderly
Any pain in children or elderly should not be taken lightly as this may be a sign of not so common underlying spine pathologies.
- Pain associated with trauma/ fever/ weight loss or anorexia
These symptoms may be a sign of underlying fracture/ injury or an associated difficult condition like infection/ tumour and a specialist has to be consulted.
- Chronic pain
Most low back pain spasms resole in 2-3 weeks’ time. Pain lasting longer that this needs attention.