A person should see their doctor if the pain is severe, does not get better, or occurs along with other concerning or debilitating symptoms. People with lower back pain should seek immediate medical attention if they experience loss of bowel or bladder control or if it affects leg movement.

Chronic back pain symptoms typically come on gradually and are long-lasting, sticking around for more than six weeks. As we mentioned, chronic pain usually isn't caused by a specific event or injury – nor does it just go away or heal itself without medical treatment.

“Red flags” include pain that lasts more than 6 weeks; pain in persons younger than 18 years or older than 50 years; pain that radiates below the knee; a history of major trauma; constitutional symptoms; atypical pain (eg, that which occurs at night or that is unrelenting); the presence of a severe or rapidly ...