Back Problems

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work. Symptoms of back pain include muscle ache, shooting or stabbing pain, pain that goes down your leg, limited flexibility or range of motion of the back, inability to stand up straight. Most back pain improves within the first 72 hours. If it does not improve you should see your doctor.
Contact a doctor if your back pain:

• is constant or intense, especially at night when you lie down
• spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
• causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
• is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
• occurs with swelling or redness on your back