Call your doctor if:

• Your low back pain doesn't go away after a few days, and it hurts even when you're at rest or lying down.
• You have weakness or numbness in your legs, or you have trouble standing or walking
• You lose control over your bowels or bladder

These could be signs that you have a nerve problem or another underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.

SOURCES:

E. Anne Reicherter, PhD, PT, DPT, associate professor of physical therapy and rehabilitation science, University of Maryland School of Medicine.

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. "Low Back Pain."

American Association of Neurological Surgeons. "Low Back Pain."

American Physical Therapy Association.

Deyo, R. Spine, November 2006; vol 31: pp 2724-2727.

Shiri, R. American Journal of Pain, January 2010; vol 123: pp 87.e7-87.e35.

Lee, C. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, December 2001; vol 28: pp 321-326.

Cleveland Clinic: "Common Causes of Back Pain."

Reviewed on May 07, 2012

© 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.