Lower back pain is incredibly common, but how do you know when it’s more than just a strain? If your pain doesn’t go away or suddenly worsens, it may be time to act. While most cases of back pain improve with rest, stretching, or physical therapy, some symptoms point to serious issues like spinal injury, nerve damage, or a medical emergency. Below, we break down the warning signs of serious lower back pain and when to seek urgent care.
Red Flags That Your Lower Back Pain Could Be Serious
Don’t ignore these signs. If you experience any of the following, it may signal a more dangerous problem:
- Sudden, severe pain after a fall, accident, or injury
- Pain that shoots down one or both legs (sciatica symptoms)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet
- Difficulty walking, standing, or maintaining balance
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever along with back pain
- Unexplained weight loss with ongoing discomfort
- Pain that doesn’t improve after a few days of rest
- Nighttime pain that wakes you up
- Stiffness or inability to move your back normally
According to Dr. Ghalambor, fellowship-trained pain specialist at NorTex Spine & Joint Institute, “If lower back pain is combined with neurological symptoms or affects your ability to function, it may be a spinal injury or nerve compression and should be evaluated right away.”
When Lower Back Pain Is a Medical Emergency
You should seek emergency treatment for back pain if:
- You’ve had trauma like a car accident or a hard fall
- You can’t move your legs or feel them normally
- You suddenly lose control of your bladder or bowel
- Pain feels sharp, stabbing, or electric
- The pain is rapidly worsening and disabling
These are potential signs of serious conditions such as cauda equina syndrome, a herniated disc pressing on nerves, spinal infections, or fractures.
Chronic Lower Back Pain That Won’t Go Away
Pain that lasts more than 3 months is considered chronic. If your discomfort continues despite home care or physical therapy, consider these possible causes:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)
- Osteoarthritis in the spine
- Nerve damage or inflammation
- Poor posture or improper lifting over time
If you’ve been living with discomfort, it’s time to consider a chronic back pain treatment clinic. A specialist may recommend imaging like an MRI for serious lower back pain or refer you to pain management services for back injury.
Muscle Strain or Spinal Injury? How to Tell
Muscle strain usually improves with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter meds. But if the pain lingers, worsens, or is joined by other symptoms, it might be something more:
- Muscle strain = tender to the touch, improves in days
- Spinal injury = sharp pain, numbness, or weakness
- Nerve issues = pain radiating down the leg or tingling
- Disc problems = trouble bending, lifting, or twisting
As Dr. Ghalambor explains, “A detailed physical exam combined with imaging helps determine the exact cause of pain. Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term complications.”
What to Do If You Have Serious Lower Back Pain
If you recognize warning signs, don’t wait. Here’s what you can do next:
- Book a lower back pain doctor appointment with a specialist
- Ask for a diagnosis for spinal injury symptoms
- Consider getting an MRI for serious lower back pain if your doctor recommends it
- Look for a “spinal injury specialist near me” for more targeted care
- Contact a chronic back pain treatment clinic if your pain has lasted months
- Schedule a consultation for lower back pain if you’re unsure of the cause
- Explore pain management services for back injury to manage discomfort long-term
- If symptoms are sudden or severe, seek urgent care for lower back pain
At NorTex Spine & Joint Institute, we help patients across Fort Worth, Allen, Coppell, and Garland, TX get to the root of their back pain with compassionate, expert care. Whether you need a second opinion, a diagnosis, or a complete treatment plan, we’re here to help you move forward without pain.
While NorTex Spine & Joint provides specialized care, many reputable clinics offer similar treatments. Always seek multiple opinions before deciding on treatment.
Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation for lower back pain today and get the answers you need.
More Resources:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-common-low-back-pain-faq
https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/what-helps-with-lower-back-pain
