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What symptoms that could be associated with back pain should prompt you to see a doctor?

There are a number of symptoms that are associated with back pain that should prompt you to see a doctor and there are several warning signs in terms of back pain that doctors look for when evaluating your back pain. These symptoms include:

• An unresponsive fever accompanied by a fever, which could be a sign of a serious infection;
• If you have experienced serious trauma or, for those over 50, minor trauma, your doctor will want to take a serious look at your back pain, as even a minor fall at an advanced age can cause a potential fracture;
• Any numbness or tingling, which is typically an indication of nerve irritation or damage and is much more significant than typical pain;
• Experiencing loss of bowel or bladder function and control, which can be a sign of a rare, serious condition known as cauda equina syndrome, which can happen as a result of a herniated disk or fracture, tumor, spinal stenosis, or trauma;
• If you have a medical history of cancer, a suppressed immune system, osteoporosis, or chronic steroid use;
• If you are experiencing a symptom known as “foot drop,” meaning that your toes drag on the ground while walking and you must consciously lift your foot higher to compensate.

In addition, if your pain has lasted longer than six weeks and is not responding to over the counter medications or at-home treatment, you should see your doctor as there may be more serious underlying causes to your back pain that might signal that there is a potentially serious condition involved.