when to consult your doctor

Signs and symptoms of back pain may include:

Muscle pain
Throbbing pains
Pain that radiates along your leg or radiculalgia in case of lumbago (sciatica and / or cruralgia) or in your arm in case of neck pain (cervico-brachial neuralgia). These pains can be of type of constriction, of electric discharge, of tension, of contracture, of torsion ...
pain aggravated by flexion of the spine, standing, standing or walking
pain that improves with tilt

When to see your doctor:

Most back pain improves gradually with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. If yours does not improve within this time, consult your doctor. In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Ask for immediate care if your back pain:

causes new intestinal problems or bladder problems (urinary leakage or retention)
is accompanied by fever
follows a fall, a blow in the back or another injury
is severe and does not improve with rest
extends in the lower limbs (accompanying lumbago) or upper (accompanying cervicalgia)
causes loss of limb strength, numbness or tingling, or loss of sensation in your limb
comes with unexplained weight loss


Also check with your doctor if you start having back pain for the first time after the age of 50, or if you have a history of cancer

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