Back Pain Warning Signs

By Stephanie Burke

When an episode of back pain strikes, or when living with ongoing back pain (and sciatica, or leg pain) the pain can be so severe that it feels like a medical emergency. But how does one know when it is truly an emergency that needs immediate medical treatment, or when is it pain that just needs to be managed?

Just using the degree of back pain as a guide is unreliable, as a simple muscle strain can be far more painful than a serious injury, such as a fracture or a large herniated disc. It is better to know at least a few other symptoms that potentially signal serious conditions or illness.

Back pain symptoms that require immediate medical care
Here are some guidelines to help explain when back pain is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention to avoid ongoing damage or possibly death.

- Any type of bowel and/or bladder dysfunction and/or progressive weakness in the legs is a typical warning sign of a condition called “cauda equine syndrome” and requires immediate medical care. One type of progressive leg weakness is called “foot drop”, and as the name implies, it becomes difficult to lift the foot (e.g. do a toe raise).

- Severe back pain along with stomach pain can be a symptom of an abdominal aneurysm, which is a leak or rupture of the aorta in the abdominal area. This is a potentially fatal condition and needs to be surgically treated immediately.

- Any accident that results in back pain, such as an auto accident or a fall from a ladder, should be cared for by a medical professional. The back pain may signal that there has been a fracture or other injury that needs immediate care.

- Any back pain felt by someone with osteoporosis or low bone density, as the back pain may be a symptom of a spinal fracture.

- Severe back pain that is accompanied by other signs of illness, such as a fever or unintentional weight loss, may be a symptom of cancer. Back pain along with fever may also be a symptom of an infection (this is especially true in the days and weeks following back surgery).

Most episodes of back pain are not serious
As a general rule, back pain does not usually require immediate medical intervention. The vast majority of episodes of back pain are not a signal of a disease or other serious condition. Most types of back pain will in fact get better on their own in a few weeks or months.