Back Pain Red Flags

Warning signs that transform routine back pain into an emergency

Step by Step

Most back pain eases within weeks, but some signs need urgent assessment. Call emergency services for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness between the legs, sudden weakness of both legs, or back pain after a major fall or crash with any leg numbness. Seek same day medical care for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, night pain that does not ease with position changes, pain after long term steroid use, or new weakness in one foot, for example being unable to lift the toes. Routine muscle strain improves with gentle movement rather than bed rest. The red flags above are about the spine and nerves, and they are the reason doctors ask questions before examining a sore back.