When to See a Doctor for Back Pain

When to See a Doctor for Back Pain (Back Pain Red Flags)

Most back pain does not need a doctor straight away.

In fact, the majority of back pain improves with the right movement and strength approach.

But there are times when medical input matters.

Most back pain is not dangerous

Common back pain:

• comes and goes

• changes with movement

• eases with walking

• feels stiff or sore rather than severe

This type of pain is usually mechanical, not medical.

Back pain red flags to be aware of

You should see a doctor if back pain is combined with:

• unexplained weight loss

• fever or feeling unwell

• pain that doesn’t change with rest or movement

• increasing weakness in the legs

• numbness around the groin or saddle area

• loss of bladder or bowel control

These are rare, but important.

What red flags actually mean

Red flags don’t automatically mean something serious.

They mean it’s time to rule things out.

Once serious issues are cleared, movement-based rehab is often still the solution.

The common mistake

Many people see doctors too early…
and avoid movement too long.

This can turn a short-term problem into a long-term one.

Pain-to-Strength Framework

At Myofunction, we work with medical care, not against it.

Once safety is confirmed, the Pain-to-Strength Framework:

• restores movement confidence

• rebuilds strength

• prevents chronic pain cycles

Knowing when to seek help is just as important as knowing how to recover.