Do you have serious lower back pain?

Watch out for serious causes of Lower Back Pain

As part of our of Vigeo Physio’s dedication to optimal spine function, it is important to identify problems that possibly can be more serious in nature.

Do you suffer from unexplained weight loss, unexplained chills or fevers or incontinence? All these symptoms may be serious signs for serious lower back pain that may require further investigation medically.  To find out more about these important reg flags for serious lower back pain, continue reading.

Red Flags for serious Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain risks are generally higher if you are under 20 or over 55 years of age.

Our care process will direct you for more thorough medical assessment or investigation if the conditions below are found during your initial or subsequent consultations:

• It has been bothering you for more than about 6 weeks
• It’s severe and not improving or it’s getting worse
• At least one red flag from below is highlighted

Specific Red Flags for serious lower back pain include those highlighted;

• When lightly tapped, the spine is painful
• Unexplained fever or chills
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs which is aggravated by lifting
• Weight loss
• Risks of cancer
• Steroid and drug overuse/abuse and HIV are all risk factors
• A general feeling of being unwell in addition to having lower back pain may be an indication that there is more going on
• Difficulty urinating and incontinence
• Numbness around the groin
• Foot drop (toe that drags) or stumbling or tripping

If you have identified any of the reg flags above, what do you do now?

Management of Serious Lower Back Pain

At Vigeo Physio our staff check with every back pain customer for the symptoms or signs of serious back problems to ensure your best possible care. But if you notice these symptoms yourself, don’t take these reg flags lightly and say ‘she’ll be right mate’ as they may need medical investigation.

Make an appointment to see your general practitioner as soon as possible to discuss these highlighted red flags to ensure that you are receiving the correct medical treatment.  Your GP (or physio) will consider necessary referrals, imaging or specialist opinions that may be required, if any of these red flags are present.

But, you can be reassured, the vast majority of back problems do not have serious causes. And, by focusing on improving your overall health and physical condition, you can not only prevent serious back problems from developing but you can live an active, healthy and productive life.

Keeping you safe from serious back pain whilst focusing on helping you back to your best life

At Vigeo we monitor for serious problems whilst taking you step by step back to improving your symptoms, health and the ability to function better in your life. Book your appointment today.