LOW BACK PAIN: 3 signs that you need to go to the emergency room

Low back pain is a big deal in this country.  One half of all working Americans admit to having back pain EVERY YEAR.  In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper respiratory infections. 

And although there are many possible causes of back pain, there are only 3 types of back pain that need to be treated as a true  emergency.  TRANSLATION: If you don't seek immediate help from a doctor, you could be permanently disabled, paralyzed or even die.

Here are the 3 categories of "Emergency Room" back pain, and the signs that help identify them:

1. POSSIBLE FRACTURE.  Red Flags:  Major trauma, like a vehicle accident or a fall from height; minor trauma or even strenuous lifting (especially in older or possibly osteoporotic people).
2. POSSIBLE TUMOR OR INFECTION.  Red Flags:  Under 20 or over 50 years old.  History of cancer.  Fever, chills, unexplained weight loss.  Recent bacterial infection (i.e., a UTI).  Immune suppression (i.e., steroid use, drug abuse or HIV).  Pain that worsens when you lay on your back.  Severe nighttime pain.
3. POSSIBLE CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME (a type of spinal cord compression).  Red Flags:  Numbness around the genitals or anus.  Recent onset of bladder dysfunction (can't make it to the bathroom in time, can't go, or going more frequently than normal).  Severe or worsening neurologic deficit in the lower extremities (i.e., radiating numbness or pain in the leg or muscle weakness in the hip, leg or foot).  Fecal incontinence (can't restrain bowel movement).

Memorize these red flags so that if you see them, you'll get help right away.  If you're still not sure whether or not you need immediate care, CALL ME.  Here's my personal cell number -- program it in your phone so you'll have it in an emergency: (512) 619-6393.  By asking you a few questions I'll be able to tell you over the phone whether or not you need emergency care.

Fortunately most cases of lower back pain do NOT require emergency care.  These injuries can, however, be hugely debilitating and life-limiting.  The good news is that most cases of mechanical  (or non-emergency) back pain respond extremely well to a combination of chiropractic care and physiotherapy. 

As with any injury or symptoms, if it's not getting better, or if it's getting worse over a month's time, get help from a chiropractor or an MD.  Limiting your life, or living a life of pain is not worth it.  The solution may be easier and quicker than you think.

-Daniel Bockmann, DC

To read more back pain facts & statistics, click here:http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=68

To read more about back pain "red flags", click here:http://www.chirobase.org/07Strategy/AHCPR/ahcprclinician.html

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