Back pain is incredibly common, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives (American Chiropractic Association, 2023). While many cases are due to simple muscle strain that resolves with self-care, sometimes back pain indicates a more serious underlying condition. As a leading back pain treatment provider in Brooklyn, we’ll share 5 key signs that it’s time to see a chiropractor for expert evaluation and care.

Why Distinguishing Types of Back Pain Matters

Not all back pain is created equal. Distinguishing between common muscle strain and more serious conditions is crucial for getting the right treatment and preventing long-term problems. Muscle strain often responds well to rest, ice/heat, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers. But if your pain is due to an underlying issue like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis, you may need more targeted interventions to find relief and avoid further damage.

5 Warning Signs of Serious Back Pain

So how can you tell if your back pain warrants a trip to the chiropractor? Watch for these key signs:

1. Pain Persists For More Than 2 Weeks

While minor strains often resolve within a couple weeks with self-care, pain that lasts longer could indicate an underlying problem. A 2020 study found that seeking care within 2-4 weeks of onset resulted in better outcomes for low back pain patients (Kress et al., 2020).

2. Pain Radiates Down Legs

Back pain that spreads down one or both legs, especially if it extends below the knee, may point to sciatica – irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis compressing the nerve root.

About 40% of people experience sciatica at some point, and it’s a leading cause of work disability worldwide (Mayo Clinic, 2021).

3. Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness

Along with radiating pain, sensations like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs can indicate nerve root compression. In severe cases, loss of bowel or bladder control may occur – a medical emergency requiring immediate care.

(Robertson et al., 2012)A 2018 systematic review found that chiropractic spinal adjustment is a safe and effective treatment for radiculopathy caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis (Choi et al., 2019).

4. Stiffness, Especially in the Morning

Persistent stiffness, particularly upon waking or after long periods of inactivity, can be a sign of spinal osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis – inflammatory conditions that require prompt treatment to manage pain and maintain mobility. A 2017 study found that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation and exercise, significantly improved pain and function in patients with spinal osteoarthritis (Coulter et al., 2017).

5. Pain After Trauma

If back pain starts abruptly after an injury like a fall, car accident, or sports collision, it’s crucial to get evaluated for fracture, ligament damage, or disc injury. Even if you don’t experience pain immediately after the trauma, symptoms may develop later as inflammation sets in. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term problems.

Risk Factors for Serious Back Pain

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing severe or chronic back pain:

  • Age over 50, when conditions like osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and disc degeneration become more common
  • Excess weight, which puts added stress on the spine
  • Sedentary lifestyle, leading to weak, tight muscles that are prone to injury
  • Demanding physical jobs or hobbies that involve heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or prolonged sitting
  • Smoking, which impairs circulation and healing
  • Chronic conditions like osteoporosis or autoimmune disorders

If any of these factors apply to you and you’re experiencing concerning back pain symptoms, it’s especially important to seek care promptly.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While most back pain doesn’t require emergency treatment, there are some critical signs that warrant immediate medical attention:

  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Progressive numbness or weakness in the legs
  • Severe, unrelenting pain
  • High fever along with back pain
  • Back pain after a high-impact trauma

If you experience these emergency symptoms, call 911 or have someone bring you to the nearest hospital.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

For non-emergency back pain that doesn’t respond to self-care, chiropractic treatment offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive path to relief. As a chiropractor in Brooklyn with extensive experience in back pain diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Patel uses evidence-based techniques including:

  • Spinal adjustments to correct alignment and reduce nerve irritation
  • Manual therapies to relieve muscle tension and improve range of motion
  • Targeted exercises to strengthen core muscles and support the spine
  • Ergonomic and lifestyle guidance to minimize pain triggers

Research shows that chiropractic care can effectively treat many common causes of back pain, from muscle strain to herniated discs to osteoarthritis. For example, a 2018 clinical trial found that adding chiropractic care to standard medical care for low back pain reduced pain intensity and disability compared to medical care alone (Bronston et al., 2018).

Preventing Serious Back Pain

While you can’t always avoid back pain, you can take steps to lower your risk:

  • Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle to reduce strain on your spine
  • Practice good posture, especially when sitting or lifting
  • Strengthen your core with targeted exercises like planks and bridges
  • Use proper body mechanics when bending, lifting, and twisting
  • Minimize prolonged sitting and take frequent movement breaks
  • Manage stress with relaxation techniques, as stress can increase muscle tension
  • Stay hydrated to keep spinal discs plump and pliable

Regular chiropractic checkups can also help identify and address minor issues before they turn into major problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my back pain is serious?

Signs that back pain may be serious include severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest, pain that spreads down the legs or causes numbness/weakness, pain after an injury, or pain accompanied by fever, unexpected weight loss, or bladder/bowel issues.

Should I see a chiropractor or doctor for back pain?

If back pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by red flag symptoms, it’s best to see a chiropractor or medical doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Chiropractors specialize in musculoskeletal conditions and can provide non-invasive therapies to relieve pain and improve function.

When should I worry about lower back pain?

While most cases of lower back pain resolve on their own, you should seek medical care if the pain is severe, doesn’t improve after a week or two of self-care, interferes with daily activities, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, numbness, or incontinence.

Can a chiropractor fix chronic back pain?

While there’s no guaranteed cure for chronic back pain, chiropractic care can be highly effective at managing symptoms, improving function, and preventing progression. Through targeted adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle changes, many patients are able to find lasting relief and maintain active lives.

Get Expert Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment in Brooklyn

At Brooklyn Chiropractic Care, we understand how debilitating back pain can be – and we’re here to help. If you’re experiencing any of the above warning signs or your back pain isn’t responding to home treatment, don’t suffer in silence.

Contact our office today at (347) 625-1246 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Priyank Patel. We’ll get to the root of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief and get back to the activities you love.

Brooklyn Chiropractic Care
Dr. Priyank Patel
112 Greenpoint Ave. STE 1B
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: (347) 625-1246