When to Seek Care for Low Back Pain

The majority of people will experience an episode of low back pain at some point in their life. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends seeking treatment if you have the following symptoms: pain that radiates down your leg below your knee; leg, foot, or groin numbness; fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or weakness; difficulty going to the bathroom; low back pain caused by an injury; pain so intense that you can’t move; and pain persisting or worsening after two weeks. American Academy of Family Physicians, May 2018