Back pain is normal and very common. In fact 80% of the population have it at some point in their lifetime. And it is responsible for 40% of all lost work days.
When should I be worried and see a doctor or physiotherapist?
When you have red flag symptoms including those listed below. In these situations you may need hospital admission and possible back surgery.
- Age <18 years and >60 years
- Bladder, bowel (inability to control your wee-ing or poo-ing) or sexual dysfunction
- Weakness or loss of sensation in the legs or arms
- Fever or weight loss
- Pain at night
- Trauma, or recent back surgery or epidural
- Other diseases – e.g. cancer, TB or HIV
- Drugs – including, anticoagulants, immunosuppression (drugs that suppress the immune system) and IV recreational drugs
- Severe new pain lasting over two weeks.
How long should I wait for, before I see a doctor or physiotherapist?
If you have new back pain (and it is not too severe), unless you have one of the red flag symptoms below, it is often best to wait two weeks before seeking help, as it often corrects itself.
MyHSN has more facts about back pain and myths about back pain here.
