Some back-pain symptoms need medical attention before physical therapy. This guide helps you decide when to seek help; it cannot diagnose the cause of your pain.
One-on-one PT with Dr. Emily Warren, DPT, Cert. MDT. No referral needed. In-person care in Holladay, serving Greater Salt Lake City, and virtual coaching from anywhere.
Seek emergency care now
Go to an emergency department for new bladder or bowel control problems, difficulty passing urine with back or leg symptoms, numbness around the genitals or saddle area, or severe or worsening weakness/numbness in both legs.
Back pain with chest pain, serious breathing difficulty, or after a serious accident also needs emergency assessment. In a US emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a case-review form or a virtual PT appointment.
DPT, Cert. MDT
Your story comes first with Dr. Emily
Emily’s early work in neurological rehabilitation shaped her interest in movement, pain and what people want to get back to.
Emily asks how the problem started, which movements change it and whether any symptoms need medical assessment first. If PT fits, she helps you practice a manageable starting movement and understand when to continue, modify it or seek a review.
Meet Emily and explore her approach · Request a Free Case Review to discuss how to know what to do when back pain interrupts your day.
Arrange prompt medical assessment
Contact a medical clinician promptly if back pain occurs with concerning changes such as:
- New or worsening weakness: a foot that is harder to lift, giving way or another clear loss of function.
- Possible infection: fever or feeling significantly unwell, particularly with relevant infection or immune-system risks.
- Possible fracture: new significant pain after a fall or injury, or with osteoporosis or another fracture risk.
- Relevant cancer history or unexplained illness: new persistent pain with unexplained weight loss or other concerning changes.
- Severe, rapidly worsening or unusual pain: especially when the pattern differs substantially from previous episodes.
These features do not each prove a serious diagnosis. A clinician considers their combination, your medical history and examination. If you are unsure how urgently to act, seek medical advice rather than trying an exercise to test the problem.
Back pain and low bone density
If you have osteoporosis or a history of a fragility fracture, report new back pain to your medical clinician, particularly after an injury or unexpected change. Do not start forceful stretches or heavy loading to find out whether the pain is mechanical.
Once the cause and appropriate precautions are established, a rehabilitation plan can be individualized. See our bone-health physical therapy information.
When a PT assessment may be a reasonable next step
Once urgent concerns have been addressed, Dr. Emily can help you work through what pain is stopping you from doing. Your first 60-minute PT visit gives you time to explain how the problem began, what has changed and what you have already tried. We connect that story with movement, strength, sensation and other relevant examination findings before choosing a plan.
Bring the medical advice you have received, relevant reports and one everyday goal, such as walking to a shop or sitting through dinner. We explain what the examination suggests, practice a manageable starting step and agree what would prompt reassessment or another medical opinion. The plan follows any precautions your medical team has given. A normal-looking scan does not replace an examination, and an imaging finding alone does not choose your treatment.
Meet Dr. Emily: optional introduction to online care
Meet Dr. Emily: an introduction to online care and coaching
Get to know Dr. Emily through her introduction to hybrid care and coaching. This is an overview of an appointment format, not a demonstration of treatment for a particular condition.
Useful next questions
- Do my symptoms require medical assessment or testing before exercise?
- Which changes should prompt me to seek help urgently?
- What activities are appropriate while I wait for assessment?
- When should the plan be reviewed if symptoms do not improve?
Read about persistent lower-back pain, sciatica care and individual back-pain assessment.
Medical information sources
Appointment enquiries are for non-emergency care. In-person and virtual PT do not replace emergency evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait for a PT appointment if I have new bladder problems and groin numbness?
No. New bladder or bowel changes with back symptoms, or numbness around the groin or anus, can need emergency assessment. Seek emergency care rather than waiting for an online reply or routine appointment. In a US emergency, call 911.
What if I have osteoporosis and sudden new back pain?
Arrange medical assessment, particularly after a fall or other injury, rather than assuming it is ordinary muscle soreness. Explain your bone-health history and how the pain began. A fracture concern changes the appropriate next step and exercise advice.
Google review: Kim P.
“She quickly identified my back and leg issues within just a few appointments, leading to immediate improvements in my condition.”
Once urgent concerns are addressed, we’re here to help
For non-emergency back-pain questions, we can help you understand how one-on-one care might fit. Tell us what has been happening and what you want to get back to. Warning signs described above need medical care first.
In your Free Case Review, we’ll listen to what you want back, answer your questions and help you decide whether care with Mindful Movement fits. Send a request and we’ll contact you by phone or text to arrange a time.
Dedicated one-on-one PT with Dr. Emily Warren, DPT, Cert. MDT—McKenzie certified. No referral needed. Your first PT visit is 60 minutes for assessment, explanation and a starting plan practiced together. The Free Case Review is a conversation before care.
In-person care at our Holladay clinic, serving Greater Salt Lake City. Virtual coaching from anywhere.
Call/text (385) 332-4939.