In case of Back Pain, when should you Call a Professional?

Back is a common complaint but in most people back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care. For complete relief from pain it may take several weeks but some improvement should occur within the first 72 hours of self-care. If not, consult a doctor. Listed below are a few tips that would help you understand when to call a doctor for back pain:

• Pain is constant or intense, specifically at night or when you’re lying down.
• Pain spreads down to your legs (one or both) especially if the pain extends below the knee.
• Pain is associated with weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs.
• Pain is severe and does not improve with rest.
• You have new bowel or bladder problems.
• Pain is associated with throbbing (pulsation) in the abdomen and/or fever.
• Pain started after a fall, blow to the back or other injury.
• Pain is associated with unexplained weight loss.
• You are more than 50 years when you have back pain for the first time.
• If you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, or drug or alcohol abuse.

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