Back pain is a prevalent issue affecting many individuals worldwide, often managed at home with medications, heat, or stretching. However, certain warning signs, known as red flags in medical terms, indicate potentially serious underlying conditions requiring prompt medical attention:

1. Persistent or worsening back pain beyond a few weeks.
2. Back pain accompanied by progressive numbness, tingling, or weakness, suggestive of nerve compression.
3. Loss of bowel or bladder control (incontinence), indicating spinal nerve compression.
4. Onset of back pain following an accident or injury.
5. Back pain exacerbated at night.
6. Back pain coupled with unexplained weight loss.
7. Presence of fever alongside back pain, suggestive of infection or inflammation.
8. Back pain in extreme age groups or high-risk individuals, such as those with severe osteoporosis or prolonged steroid use.

These symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation to rule out serious underlying causes.