DenverSpine - Back Pain Symptoms

The vast majority of back problems improve on their own or with nonsurgical treatment. There are a few warning signs, however, that may indicate serious spinal problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Loss of control of the bowel or bladder or retention of urine may indicate potentially dangerous damage to the spine's cauda equina nerves. The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves in the low back where the spinal cord ends. Damage to these nerves can be permanent if not treated quickly – within a day or so. This problem should be seen within 24 hours by a spine specialist, or go to an emergency room if necessary.
Weakness or numbness in a leg or arm, especially if it is getting progressively more severe, also points to nerve damage. This includes "foot drop," a condition in which the muscles of the leg and foot are too weak to raise the foot while attempting to walk. Again, nerve damage associated with these symptoms can be permanent if not treated immediately. This problem should be seen within 24 hours by a spine specialist.
Any numbness, pain or tingling that radiates into an arm or leg is also a source for concern and should be seen within a few days by a spine specialist. High fever accompanied by back pain may indicate a possible infection of the spine and should be seen within 24 hours.

Here is an encouraging back fact: 80% of the time, back and neck pain is simply the result of a strain or soft tissue injury. In many of these simple cases of back or neck strain, you can improve with specialized exercises, rest, anti-inflammatory medicine and a little Mother Nature. There are other cases in which you may need to see a doctor, sometimes quickly. Briefly, here are some good rules of thumb to follow related to your back or neck.

Trauma - If you fell down, were in a car accident, or did anything abrupt that may have caused an onset of back pain, definitely go to a spine specialty clinic within 24 hours.
Radicular pain - Any time you have back or neck pain that is radiating down into your leg or arm, especially if it is getting worse, that is a danger signal and you probably need to be evaluated by a spine specialist within 2 to 3 days.
Persistent pain - If pain limited to the low back or neck area does not begin to subside after 3 days, with some anti-inflammatories and some rest, then you probably need to be evaluated by a spine specialist. For example, if you first noticed back or neck pain on a Monday, and it's now Thursday and it's not getting better on its own, it's time to see a spine specialist to find out what is causing your problem.
Anytime you have loss of control of your bowel or bladder, that is an EMERGENCY signal that you need to be seen by a spine specialist THE SAME DAY. If you delay, you could suffer permanent paralysis of the nerves that control these functions.
Foot drop - If you notice that your toe is dragging as you walk, this is a DANGER SIGNAL. Again, if you delay, you could experience permanent damage to the nerves and sensation in the leg. This problem should be seen within 24 hours by a spine specialist.
Any weakness, numbness or pain that extends below a knee or below an elbow is a serious symptom. Go to a spine center within 2 days.

Learn more about back pain symptoms and prevention methods through the North American Spine Society.

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