When is back or neck pain an emergency? The red flags to know

Other warning signs: see a doctor urgently

These symptoms don't always mean something serious. But they need a doctor's assessment quickly, usually the same day, before any physiotherapy or spinal decompression.

Signs of possible pressure on the spinal cord in the neck

Gradual narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck can press on the spinal cord itself, a condition called cervical myelopathy. It's often missed early because its signs are easy to put down to age. See a doctor promptly if neck pain or stiffness comes with:

• Clumsy hands: dropping things, difficulty with buttons, or changes in your handwriting
• Numbness or tingling in both hands
• Feeling unsteady on your feet, or falling more often
• An electric-shock feeling down your spine or into your arms or legs when you bend your neck forward

Signs of a possible spinal fracture

• Back pain after a serious fall or road accident
• Sudden, severe pain in the centre of your spine after a minor fall or even lifting something, especially if you have osteoporosis, are older, or have taken steroid medicines for a long time
• A visible change in the shape of your spine, or one spot on the spine that is very tender to touch

Signs of a possible spinal infection

• Back or neck pain with fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
• Pain that starts after a recent infection, such as a urinary infection, or after a medical procedure
• Back pain if your immune system is weakened, for example from HIV, chemotherapy, long-term steroids or other immunosuppressant medicines

Spinal infections include tuberculosis (TB) of the spine, which is still seen in India and often begins with back pain.

Signs of a possible tumour

• A past history of cancer, especially breast, lung, prostate, kidney or thyroid cancer, with new back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain at night that wakes you or stops you sleeping
• Constant pain that doesn't ease when you lie down or change position
• Back pain starting for the first time after age 50, especially with any of the signs above

When the pain may not be coming from your spine

Some serious conditions show up as back or neck pain:

• Upper back, chest, jaw or arm pain with breathlessness, sweating or nausea can be a heart problem. Call 112 or go to an emergency department.
• Sudden, severe pain in the back or abdomen, particularly in older adults, can be a sign of a problem with the aorta, the body's main blood vessel. This is an emergency.

A sense of proportion

Red flags are a reason to get checked, not a reason to panic. Most people with one of these signs turn out not to have a serious condition. Research shows that most single red flags aren't very accurate on their own; a past history of cancer is one of the more reliable. That's why they're used to decide who needs a closer look, not to make a diagnosis.

If you're unsure, it's always reasonable to get checked.

How Maana Spine screens for red flags

Every Maana Spine DTX™ program starts with a spine assessment, and checking for red flags is part of it. Your physiotherapist asks about these symptoms and carries out neurological tests of your strength, sensation and reflexes.

If anything suggests a serious cause, we'll tell you clearly, and refer you to a doctor or hospital for further tests before any treatment begins. We don't start spinal decompression or other treatment until serious causes have been ruled out.

→ What happens at your spine assessment

If none of these apply to you

Most back and neck pain improves with time and the right care. It's a good idea to get assessed if your symptoms are getting worse, if they've lasted more than two weeks, if severe pain hasn't eased within a week, or if new symptoms develop.

A spine assessment can help you understand what's causing your pain and what will help.

Book a Spine Assessment · or call +91 99950 09403