Randy Shelerud, M.D., Mayo Clinic specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation

Patients with chronic low back pain often find that their symptoms will wax and wane over time, and many of them have devised strategies for treating their symptoms when they need to. So, in the event that their usual strategies for pain are no longer effective and their pain is worsening, despite their efforts, that's a reasonable time to see their physician — particularly if their quality of life has significantly changed because of that increased pain. For instance, if they are no longer able to work or recreate, or if their sleep is now disrupted, or their general role in their community, such as the things they like to do with their family or in the greater community, if those seem to really be worse and affected more than in the past, that's a reasonable time to then go and see your physician.

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