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Back Pain - Warning Signs

Back pain is not usually due to any serious damage or disease. The pain usually improves within days or a few weeks, at least enough to get on with your life.

Only a few people have back pain that is caused by a more serious issue such as a slipped disc or a trapped nerve and even these usually get better by themselves.

Investigations (X-rays and MRI scans) in the first 4-6 weeks are not beneficial unless there are warning signs present.

Such investigations can detect serious spinal injuries which are very rare but they don’t usually help in ordinary back pain.

If you do have back pain and suddenly notice any of these symptoms, which are rare, you should see a doctor straight away:

Other warning signs include:

  • Difficulty passing or controlling urine
  • Numbness around your back passage or genitals
  • Numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in both legs
  • Unsteadiness on your feet
  • Severe pain which gets worse over several weeks (especially at night or when lying down)
  • Recent accident/trauma
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • History of cancer
  • Feeling unwell/ fever


Next: Dealing with back pain

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