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Patient Questions  /  Is my back pain serious?

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How Do I Know If My Back Pain Is Serious?

Most back pain is not serious, even when it hurts a lot. How much it hurts doesn't tell you how much damage there is. What matters more are certain warning signs, like numbness in the groin, new bladder or bowel problems, fever, or weakness in a leg. If you have none of these, it usually improves with time and staying active.

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Pain level isn't the best guide

Back pain can be very intense, especially in the first few days, and that can feel scary. But for most people, strong back pain comes from irritated muscles, joints or discs that heal on their own. Doctors call this “non-specific” back pain, and it is by far the most common kind.

A small number of people have back pain caused by something that needs medical care quickly, such as a pinched bundle of nerves at the bottom of the spine, an infection, a fracture or, rarely, cancer. These usually come with other signs besides pain. Those signs are listed below.

Signs that usually point to a less serious problem

  • The pain started after lifting, bending, a long day of yard work or sleeping in an odd position.
  • It changes with movement or position, and eases when you find a comfortable way to rest.
  • You feel generally well otherwise, with no fever and no weight loss.
  • It is slowly getting better over days to weeks.

When to get it checked even without warning signs

If your pain isn't improving after a few weeks, keeps coming back, wakes you at night, or makes it hard to work or sleep, it's worth seeing a doctor or physical therapist. You don't need to wait until it's unbearable.

When to see a doctor

Get medical care promptly if you have:

  • Numbness in the groin, buttocks or inner thighs, or new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels: get emergency care
  • Weakness in a leg or foot that is getting worse, or pain and numbness in both legs
  • Back pain with fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer
  • Back pain after a fall or accident, or if you have osteoporosis or take steroid medicine long term
  • Constant pain that doesn't change with position and is worse at night or at rest

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist screens for these warning signs at your first visit and will send you to a doctor if anything needs a closer look. If not, they can explain what's likely going on and give you a plan to move with more confidence and less pain.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Sciatica and back pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026