The Most Common Back Pain Red Flags
4 out of 5 people will suffer with back pain in their lives. However, just because it’s incredibly common doesn’t mean that you should put up with it or simply ignore it. While some back pain may go away on its own, occasionally the pain can linger around and be a signal of something more serious. Usually, this back pain will be felt alongside a number of other symptoms also known as red flags.
From fever and chills to weakness and tingling in your limbs, these red flags can indicate an underlying condition. By recognising them early enough though, you can benefit from a more appropriate treatment.
Here, we reveal the warning signs to look out for when it comes to either acute low back pain or chronic pain.
Age
Most people experience their first bout of back pain between the ages of 30 and 50. While those younger and older can still get back pain, if you are suffering and haven’t had an accident or injury, it may be cause for concern. It doesn’t mean you should panic though. Younger individuals who regularly take part in gymnastics or carry a heavy school bag can often suffer with pain. Likewise, old age can cause general wear and tear throughout the body.
Fever and Chills
If you have back pain and also feel hot, cold, shivery or sweaty, it could indicate an infection. If you’ve also recently had surgery in the back area, it may mean that you have an infection here. This is commonly known as an infection of the epidural space around your spinal cord and can result in a spinal epidural abscess if it’s not treated. Pain at night or feeling restless can also be an indication of an infection.
Trauma
A major trauma, accident or injury can cause immense pressure to the spine, and sometimes even cause vertebral fractures. This, in turn, can then cause additional injury to the nerves or the spinal cord itself. Even minor trauma can be a cause for concern – especially in those older patients or those with weakened bones. For example, twisting, reaching too much or falling from standing height can all cause injury to the back and spine.
Incontinence
Patients with low back pain and incontinence may be suffering with nerve issues or a neurologic deficit. Numbness in your groin, being unable to empty your bladder, needing to wee more frequently and overflow incontinence can also be signs of something more serious.
Weakness, Numbness or Leg Pain
Occasionally, back pain can cause leg pain or pain elsewhere in the body. If you’re experiencing tingling or numbness in your legs, this could mean that there’s a problem with your spinal cord or that you’re suffering from nerve root compression. In severe spinal cord compression cases, you could be at risk of cauda equina syndrome which affects the nerves in your legs and buttocks.
If your back pain came on suddenly and you’ve also got pain in your legs, it’s wise to get it checked out.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If your back pain is also accompanied by weight loss, it could be a sign of something more serious. Those patients with a history of cancer, including in the bowel or bladder, should seek medical advice.
How Can Life Effect Help?
Even if you aren’t experiencing any of the above red flags, it’s important to get your back pain checked out – especially if it’s stopping you from doing things you enjoy doing.
At Life Effect, our team of chiropractors will get to the root cause of your pain before deciding on a primary care plan that keeps you and your goals at the heart of it. We’ll work with you to help you to regain control of your life – whether that be a certain fitness level, being pain-free or something else – and we can help to identify any risk factors too.
We’re also offering free initial consultations so you can ask us any questions and see how we might be able to help you. If you’re interested, simply get in touch with our team.