When to Worry About Back Pain: 5 Signs It Could Be Serious
Back pain is one of the most common physical complaints among adults. For many, it's a temporary discomfort caused by long hours at a desk, poor posture, or physical activity. But in certain cases, back pain can be a sign of something more serious. Knowing the difference between ordinary aches and potentially dangerous symptoms is essential to protect your long-term health.
In this article, we’ll cover five warning signs that your back pain may require urgent evaluation and how chiropractic care can play a critical role in addressing the root cause.
What Does Everyday Back Pain Typically Feel Like?
Common or "mechanical" back pain usually:
• Feels achy or dull
• Occurs in the lower or mid-back
• Improves with stretching, rest, or movement
• Is related to muscle strain, tension, or posture
While this type of pain can still benefit from chiropractic care, it generally isn’t cause for alarm. However, there are symptoms that require immediate attention.
Five Signs Your Back Pain May Be a Medical Emergency
1. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
This could indicate cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition caused by compression of nerves at the base of the spine. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage.
What to do: Go to the emergency room immediately.
2. Severe Pain That Doesn't Improve
If your back pain is intense, constant, and doesn't change with rest or movement, it could suggest a spinal infection, tumor, or fracture. Pain that disrupts your sleep is another red flag.
What to do: Seek medical evaluation promptly.
3. Leg Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling
Symptoms that radiate down the legs or cause weakness may indicate nerve compression, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. If symptoms worsen or affect both legs, this could point to more serious spinal involvement.
What to do: Schedule a medical assessment or imaging immediately.
4. Recent Trauma or Injury
Back pain following a fall, accident, or sports injury may involve more than just muscle strain. Even mild trauma can lead to fractures or disc injuries that worsen over time if untreated.
What to do: Don’t wait—get it checked out by a healthcare professional.
5. Fever or Unexplained Weight Loss
When paired with back pain, fever, chills, or rapid weight loss may indicate infection or cancer.
What to do: Contact your physician for a thorough evaluation.
When to See a Chiropractor and What to Expect Not every case of back pain calls for an emergency room visit. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Chiropractic care provides a non-invasive, comprehensive approach for managing chronic, recurring, or posture-related back pain.
Chiropractic Can Help With:
• Poor posture and spinal misalignment
• Chronic back pain or recurring discomfort
• Mild nerve compression (e.g., sciatica)
• Muscle tension and joint dysfunction.
A chiropractor will evaluate your condition, rule out serious causes, and develop a care plan focused on addressing the source of the pain—not just the symptoms.
Our Approach at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine
1. Spinal Adjustments
We use precise, gentle techniques to realign the spine and relieve pressure on irritated nerves or joints.2. Neuromuscular Retraining
We work with patients on correcting muscle imbalances and improving the communication between the brain and body.3. Home Care and Ergonomic Coaching
You’ll receive tailored advice on posture, stretching routines, and strengthening movements to help you stay pain-free between visits.4. Imaging and Progress Tracking
We use digital X-rays and posture scans to monitor changes over time, ensuring your care plan delivers real results.
Our Approach at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine
1. Spinal Adjustments
We use precise, gentle techniques to realign the spine and relieve pressure on irritated nerves or joints.
2. Neuromuscular Retraining
We work with patients on correcting muscle imbalances and improving the communication between the brain and body.
3. Home Care and Ergonomic Coaching
You’ll receive tailored advice on posture, stretching routines, and strengthening movements to help you stay pain-free between visits.
4. Imaging and Progress Tracking
We use digital X-rays and posture scans to monitor changes over time, ensuring your care plan delivers real results.
Should You Book an Appointment? If your back pain:
Comes and goes, or gets worse over timeIs affecting your ability to sleep or moveInvolves numbness, tingling, or weaknessHasn’t improved with rest or medication... then it’s time to take action.
Final Thoughts
Back pain might be common, but it isn’t normal. Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term problems that are harder to fix. Whether you're dealing with stiffness, nerve pain, or unexplained discomfort, chiropractic care can help identify the root cause and guide your body back to balance.
Get the Relief You Deserve
Ready to stop guessing and start healing? Book your chiropractic evaluation today at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. Our team will take time to understand your symptoms and create a care plan that supports your long-term health.
Call us at (707) 452-3500 or visit www.absoluteintegrativehealth.com to schedule your visit.
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