When the doctor must be consulted

While it is not always necessary to consult the doctor when your back hurts, in some cases it is essential and on rare occasions, urgent. In this section the following is explained:

a) When it is neccesary to go to the doctor's.
b) When it is urgent to do so.
c) When it is not neccesary.

Obviously, when in doubt, it is best to consult your doctor.

a) You should consult your doctor in one or more of these circumstances:

To confirm the origin of the pain

• If it is the first time your back hurts.
• If the characteristics of the pain or its localization are different from that experienced on previous occasions.

For intensity or duration of the pain

• If it is so intense that non-prescription analgesics do not relieve it.
• If, independently of its intensity, it does not improve within 3 days or does not disappear within 7.

For the characteristics of the pain

• If it extends to the arm or leg and is more intense along these limbs than in the back or neck.
• If it is accompanied by loss of strength or alterations in sensitivity.
• If it impedes all movement or is constant (that is, if it does not change when you change posture or movement).

Because it is accompanied by other signs or arises in peculiar situations

• If you have fever, extreme fatigue or weight loss.
• If you suffer other illnesses or are taking medication that counter-indicates certain treatments for back pain.

b) It is urgent to go to the doctor in any of the following circumstances:

(It is rare that any of these symptoms should appear: however, if your back hurts and any one of these should suddenly arise, you should consult your doctor immediately.)

• Sudden appearance of difficulties in urinating: loss of control or difficulty in urinating.
• Loss of feeling in the area of the anus, genitals or the inner thigh ("saddle anesthesia").
• Sudden loss of strength in both legs.
• Sudden appearance of pain, numbness or tingling in both legs.
• Impossibility of standing steady on your feet.

c) It is not essential to consult the doctor if all of these circumstances appear (note that all of them must be present):

• The pain is bearable, non-prescription analgesics relieve it, and it improves in less than 2 days and disappears in less than 7.
• The pain is not accompanied by any loss of strength.
• Your general health is good: there is no fever or weight loss. You don't have any illness and are not following treatments which could interfere with the pain.