When Back Pain Means It's Time to See a Spine Surgeon
Dr. Rivka C. Lomedico
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon · Jun 22, 2026
FIG. · LUMBAR NERVE COMPRESSION
Almost everyone will have back pain at some point, and the overwhelming majority of it gets better on its own. So how do you know when an ache is just an ache, and when it's a signal worth taking seriously? Knowing the difference can save you both unnecessary worry and dangerous delay.
Most Back Pain Improves on Its Own
Typical muscular back pain tends to ease within a few weeks with gentle movement, time, and patience. Staying active — rather than strict bed rest — is usually the fastest path back to feeling normal.
Red Flags That Warrant Evaluation
Certain symptoms suggest something beyond a simple strain and deserve prompt attention:
- Pain that radiates down a leg or arm, especially with numbness, tingling, or weakness.
- Trouble with bladder or bowel control, which is an emergency — seek care immediately.
- Pain following a fall or injury, or pain that is worse at night or with rest.
- Pain lasting more than six weeks despite conservative care.
What a First Visit Looks Like
An evaluation usually starts with your history and a physical exam, and may include imaging. The goal is rarely surgery — most patients are managed with therapy, medication, and time. Surgery is reserved for the specific problems it's uniquely able to solve.
Seeing a spine surgeon doesn't mean you're heading for surgery. More often, it means getting a clear answer — and a plan that lets you stop worrying.
