It has been our experience that many people are confused about when and how to seek care.  Often we tend to minimize our pain, thinking it is just a pulled muscle that will go away on its own.  Although that may be the case, your pain could also point to a more severe problem that should be investigated.  We understand that it can be hard to know the difference.  Here are a few tips to help.

When to seek treatment:

• You experience sharp pain, tingling or numbness
  
• You notice muscle weakness or clumsiness
• Your pain keeps you awake at night
• You can't straighten up or move normally
  
• You notice constipation, difficulty going to the bathroom, or have trouble holding your bladder or bowels
• Prior to your pain you experienced frequent (once a week or more) stiffness or aches in the area of pain
• Your pain has not noticeably improved by the third day after it started
• Your pain is present (even mildly) for more than a week
• You have had similar pains two or more times in the past 12 months
• Your pain is accompanied by fever or excessive perspiring
• You feel anxious or depressed because of your pain