When Back Pain Signals Something Else

In many cases, back pain will resolve on its own. But severe back pain plus other symptoms could be a sign of an underlying medical problem, so it's important to have an expert evaluation to rule out anything serious. Seek expert advice if your back pain is accompanied by:

 

• Chronic back pain at night or when you are lying down
• Throbbing sensation in the abdomen
• Fever
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or pain that extends below the knee
• Bowel or bladder problems
• Unexplained weight loss

Also, be sure to see a specialist for a medical evaluation if you have back pain following a fall or other injury, or if you develop back pain and you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, or drug and alcohol abuse.

 

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