How to know if your back pain is serious?
What Happened to My Back?
When people come into my physiotherapy clinic in Townsville with back pain, their response to "What happened?" usually falls into one of three categories:
Option A: "I woke up like this (ouch)."
Option B: "I lifted something heavy."
Option C: "I can’t remember when it started, but it’s been years."
These answers generally describe three common types of back pain:
Option A: Acute pain with no clear cause.
Option B: Acute pain with an identifiable trigger (e.g., lifting something heavy).
Option C: Chronic pain that has developed over time with no clear starting point.
Regardless of how your back pain started, a professional assessment can help determine if it’s a serious issue or something that can be effectively managed with physiotherapy in Townsville.
Serious or Not? Recognizing Red Flags in Back Pain
During a back pain assessment, physiotherapists and doctors look for serious warning signs, known as "red flags." These indicate whether immediate medical attention is required. Some common red flags include:
✅ A history of trauma (e.g., significant fall, car accident)
✅ Severe muscle weakness or wasting in the legs
✅ Loss of sensation in the groin/genital area (e.g., numbness, pins and needles)
✅ Changes in bladder or bowel function
✅ Fever, chills, or night sweats
✅ A personal history of cancer
✅ Unremitting pain that doesn’t change, no matter what you do
If you have one or more of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek urgent medical assessment to rule out serious conditions. However, most cases of back pain are not serious and can be effectively managed with physiotherapy treatment.
Pain Intensity is NOT a Red Flag
One of the biggest misconceptions about back pain is that intense pain means serious injury. In reality, pain intensity is not a reliable indicator of how serious your condition is. You can have 10/10 pain and still have a completely manageable issue, or mild pain with a more complex underlying cause.
In my 10+ years as a physiotherapist in Townsville, I’ve only encountered a handful of cases where back pain was linked to a serious medical condition. For most people, back pain can be effectively treated with physiotherapy and movement-based recovery strategies.
When to See a Physiotherapist for Back Pain in Townsville
Even if your back pain isn’t classified as "serious," getting it assessed by a Townsville physiotherapist or GP is always a smart move. Early intervention can help prevent chronic pain, mobility issues, and further discomfort.
At PhysioPM, we help people with acute and chronic back pain return to the activities they love by using:
✅ Hands-on treatment to relieve stiffness and improve movement
✅ Targeted exercises to strengthen the core and back muscles
✅ Pain education to help you feel confident in movement again
✅ Lifestyle modifications to reduce strain and prevent recurrence
Take Control of Your Back Pain – Book an Appointment Today!
If you're tired of dealing with persistent back pain in Townsville, let’s work together to find a solution. Whether your pain is acute or long-term, a professional physiotherapy assessment can help you recover and regain your quality of life.
📅 Book an appointment at PhysioPM today!
