Warning Signs for Serious Underlying Problems
Certain warning signs should alert a patient to see a doctor immediately for low back pain. Any very severe back pain warrants attention, particularly if any of the following conditions are present:
- Being over 50
- Recent injury
- Severe pain
- Pain awakens the person at night
- Pain accompanied by fever (possible infection)
- Pain increased by lying down
- Pain unrelated to movement
- Pain lasts for a month, and is accompanied by unexplained fever or weight loss
- History or chronic use of corticosteroids
- Intravenous drug use
- History of urinary tract infection
- In children, any severe neck or back pain or pain that persists for more than 3 days
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