Red Flags for Lower Back Pain

Most cases of lower back pain are within our remit, but sometimes you need to see a doctor instead of an osteopath.

Lower back pain red flags

Symptoms that Need Medical Attention

There are some symptoms that you should be aware of, as they can potentially indicate something more serious going on. Conditions that can cause lower back pain that your osteopath cannot treat include:

  • fractures (including osteoporotic fractures)

  • tumours

  • spinal infections

  • inflammatory disorders

  • cauda equina syndrome

  • structural deformities

These can come with a range of symptoms, and if your instincts tell you that something is seriously wrong, listen to them and get medical attention. Some red flag symptoms of lower back pain that warrant urgent attention include:

  • very high levels of pain

  • pain that is worse at night

  • loss of control of legs, bladder, or bowel

  • back pain that coincides with severe fatigue, fever, or a general feeling of unwellness

Where We Can Help

Although we cannot cure the above conditions, and we should not be your first port of call, we may be able to support you alongside your doctors for some problems.

Inflammatory disorders under the umbrella of rheumatology may respond well to treatment, but this should not take the place of your rheumatologist’s plan. Osteopaths are qualified to help with rheumatic pain, including conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Read more about what we can do to help support you if you have osteoporosis, and why we need to know if you do.

Lower Back Pain within Our Remit

“Non-specific” lower back pain (NSLBP) sounds like an unhelpful term, but it covers all conditions that we can help with. The name brings focus to the fact that often, even with modern medicine and technology, identifying the exact cause of your lower back pain can be impossible. However, using your case history and some clinical testing, we can determine whether your pain is likely to be caused by soft tissues or irritated joints- in which case we can help. Mild sprains and strains of the ligaments and muscles in the back can cause pain and restriction, but will normally respond well to osteopathic treatment.

Sciatica

Technically, sciatica does not count as NSLBP, although it is still within our remit. You can read more about what sciatica is, and how we might approach it here.

Sciatica can be a red flag if it comes with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome (CE). CE is where something compresses the nerves at the very base of the spine, causing:

  • bladder and/or bowel incontinence, or incomplete emptying

  • numbness in the saddle area (maybe most noticeable when wiping yourself after going to the loo)

  • weakness in one or both legs

Suspected cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency. If the nerves are compressed they may die, causing permanent loss of control of the legs, bladder, or bowel. If your back pain comes with changes to bladder and bowel function or sensation, go to A&E.

Click here for an appointment for your lower back pain in Flitwick

Back, Osteopathy, Lower BackFreya Baskeyfield