Most people tolerate the occasional back pain, but sometimes it signals a serious problem. This article highlights the warning signs — red flags — that mean you should see a doctor promptly, helping you separate minor aches from conditions that need urgent attention.
WORDS DR LIM SZE WEI
 FEATURED EXPERTDR LIM SZE WEI Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital |
THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF BACK PAIN
- Acute back pain. A sudden ache that usually goes away after a few days.
- Subacute back pain. Persistent ache that stays for over 10 weeks.
- Chronic back pain. Pain that persists for over 12 weeks, occurring daily
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE YOUR BACK PAIN
- Treatable acute back pain may develop into a chronic problem.
- Back pain disrupts your sleep as well as affects your mood and overall well-being.
- The pain puts unnecessary strain on other body parts, especially the spine.
- You may develop nerve damage or even permanent disabilities.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
- Don’t ignore back pain. See a doctor when you experience consistent back pain for more than 5 days in a row.
- Keep track, using a calendar, of when you experience back pain and how long the pain lasts each time. This ‘pain diary’ can be helpful for your doctor to come up with a care plan that is best for you.
| This article is part of our series on conditions that affect the joints and spine. |
