Back pain is one of the most common health complaints in the U.S., affecting millions of people every year. While most cases resolve on their own with rest, stretching, and over-the-counter medication, persistent or severe back pain could signal a more serious problem. So how do you know when it’s time to stop managing the pain yourself and see a specialist?

At California Sports & Spine Institute, we help patients identify the root cause of their discomfort and offer advanced non-surgical treatments to help them feel—and function—better. Here are five signs your back pain may not be “normal” and warrants professional evaluation.

1. Your Pain Lasts More Than a Few Weeks

Acute back pain from muscle strain or poor posture usually improves within a few days to a couple of weeks. If your pain persists longer than 6 weeks, or if it’s getting worse instead of better, it may indicate a deeper issue—such as disc damage, arthritis, or nerve irritation—that needs expert care.

2. You Experience Tingling, Numbness, or Weakness

If your back pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down your leg (often described as sciatica), this could mean that a spinal nerve is compressed. Left untreated, nerve compression can lead to permanent damage. Early intervention with interventional or regenerative techniques can often prevent the need for surgery.

3. You Have Trouble Standing, Walking, or Sleeping

Is your back pain affecting your mobility or quality of life? If you’re finding it hard to get out of bed, stand upright, walk for long periods, or sleep comfortably, it’s time to seek help. Functional limitations signal that the pain may not just be muscular—it could be structural, requiring a comprehensive treatment approach.

4. You’ve Had a Recent Injury or Trauma

A fall, accident, or sports-related injury that results in back pain should never be ignored. Even if the pain seems minor at first, underlying damage—such as herniated discs, fractures, or joint instability—can become more serious over time. Our advanced diagnostic tools at CSSI help uncover hidden injuries early, when they’re most treatable.

5. You’re Not Getting Relief from Medications or Therapy

If physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or other conservative treatments haven’t helped, it’s time to dig deeper. At California Sports & Spine Institute, we specialize in cutting-edge alternatives to surgery, including:

• Regenerative therapies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections
• The Discseel® Procedure for disc-related pain (only available here in California)
• Image-guided injections and radiofrequency ablation
• Customized rehabilitation programs

Our goal is to help you heal—not just manage pain.

Don’t Ignore the Signs—Reclaim Your Life

Back pain that disrupts your daily routine, causes neurological symptoms, or doesn’t improve with basic care is not something to ignore. Getting evaluated by a spine specialist early can make a major difference in your long-term outcome.

At California Sports & Spine Institute, Dr. Maxim Moradian and our experienced team are committed to non-surgical, functional, and regenerative solutions that restore movement and quality of life.

Visit one of our convenient Southern California locations:

📍 Arcadia – 51 N. 5th Ave Suite B, Arcadia, CA 91006

📍 Glendale – 317 S Brand Blvd Suite A-104, Glendale, CA 91204

📍 Palmdale – 41210 11th Street West, Suite K, Palmdale, CA 93551

📞 Call us at (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096

🌐 Schedule your appointment: californiasportsandspine.com