Christoper W. Anderson, D.O. , Spine Physiatrist, Alegent Health Orthopaedic Institute

Q: When should you see a physician if you are experiencing back pain?

A: There are several red flags that suggest you need to seek evaluation for back pain. The first is severe, incapacitating pain unrelieved by typical measures such as ice, rest or pain relievers.

The second indicator is pain that’s generally worse at night. Most people with typical mechanical back pain find that if they lie down and rest, they feel better. But the person who has severe pain at night should be evaluated to rule out the possibility of a tumor or infection.

The third red flag is neurological symptoms associated with back pain. These would include pain radiating down the leg below the knee, numbness or weakness that’s consistent in the lower extremities, and problems with bladder or bowel control. Just remember the words consistent, persistent and progressive.

The fourth sign would be fever, chills or weight loss—all possible indicators of a tumor or infection when accompanied by low back pain.

Finally, if you feel pain radiating down your leg, accompanied by lower back pain, you could have a herniated disc.

If you’re experiencing back pain without any of the aforementioned symptoms, chances are it’s mechanical, which is the most common cause of low back pain. This type of pain is usually related to physical activity or sitting at a desk all day, and usually stops with a moderate amount of rest.