Multiple Causes Of Back Pain

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - I think I can speak for most primary care physicians when I tell you that rarely does a day goes by when we don't see someone with back pain in the office. For most people with back pain, the problem is short term; the result of being a weekend warrior or not stretching before raking the leaves.

Now, for others with chronic back pain, it can be a life altering problem leading to missed workdays and depression.

Sometimes the pain can be a warning of a more serious problem. But with many of us experiencing back pain on a semi frequent basis how do we know when to get checked out?

There are certain times I recommend that you make a point to see the doctor: if the pain was caused by an injury like a fall or a crash, if you have trouble sleeping because of the pain, or you have trouble controlling your bowels or your bladder.

Another case is if you've been losing weight for no known reason.

Finally, if you just feel you need to be checked out, you should see your physician.