Warning Signs to Watch For

More than 95% of chronic low back pain cases are not caused by a life-threatening condition. But catching the remaining 5% early can make all the difference.

An important note: This page is not meant to frighten you. In fact, it's the opposite. By knowing which symptoms are truly dangerous and which ones are not, you can reduce unnecessary worry — and act quickly when it really matters.

What You'll Learn

• How often serious disease is found in people with low back pain (less often than you might think)
• The 7 warning signs ("red flags") you should never ignore
• Compression fractures from osteoporosis — especially important for older adults
• How to tell the difference between "call 911" and "schedule an appointment"
• Signs that family members and caregivers should watch for