Okay, so I did everything my doctor told me to do for my back pain. I stayed active. I kept breathing. I took an over-the-counter pain reliever. And I drank water and ate healthy. But I still have back pain. Now what?

When acute back pain doesn’t respond to modified activity, exercise, or mild analgesic drugs for pain, then a second look may be needed. You should make an appointment with your medical doctor again. You may need some additional testing to check for something more serious.

Constant pain that gets worse at night or worse in general is a red flag. Numbness in the groin area, blood in the urine, and muscular weakness that is getting worse are also warning signs. Fever, sweats, nausea, and unexpected weight loss should be reported to the physician.

If, after further testing, you get a clean bill of health, then you may need some additional treatment. Acupuncture and chiropractic care have been proven helpful for some patients. Physical therapy to help you change movement patterns and improve muscular coordination and fitness may be needed.

Your doctor is the best one to advise you on the next step. Understanding your condition, what to expect, and what you can do are all important in avoiding chronic back pain.