When Do You Need to See a Physician for Back Pain?

While there are exceptions, this list will give you a good idea of when you need to see a doctor for back pain:

• Back pain that follows trauma or injury, for example a car accident, or fall off a ladder
• The pain is constant and is getting worse
• The pain is severe and does not improve after three days
• Severe back that does not improve with over the counter meds like ibuprofen or Tylenol
• The pain is worse after rest
• Severe pain at night (For example, pain that wakes you up from a deep sleep)
• Abdominal pain associated with back pain
• Numbness or altered sensation in the upper inner thighs, groin area, buttocks or genital area
• Neurological problems, such as: weakness, numbness or tingling in the leg(s) or arm(s).
• Unintentional weight loss
• Pain with fever, chills or night sweats
• Loss of Bladder control
• Loss of Bowel control

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