Signs of Emergency
What are the signs of an emergency requiring immediate or quick medical attention?
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a serious spinal problem and
should seek medical attention immediately:
- Loss of control of the bowel or bladder, or retention of urine, or numbness around
the rectum
This may indicate potentially dangerous damage to the spine's cauda equina
nerves, a bundle of nerves in the low back where the spinal cord ends. Damage
to these nerves can be permanent if not treated quickly. It is essential that you be
seen by a spine specialist within 24 hours. Go to an emergency room if
necessary. - Severe or worsening weakness or numbness in a leg or arm
This is another sign of serious nerve damage that may be permanent if not
treated immediately. If you experience "foot drop," a condition in which the
muscles of the leg and foot are too weak to lift the foot while walking, see a spine
specialist within 24 hours. - Numbness, pain or tingling that radiates into an arm or leg
This symptom might be caused by a serious condition. See a spine specialist
within a few days. - High fever accompanied by back pain
This may be a sign of possible infection of the spine. See a spine specialist within
24 hours.