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Symptoms of diseases that affect the spine vary depending upon the type of illness. They may include:

• Pain that is worse in the affected part of the spine (for instance, if there is a compression fracture, tumor, or infection).
• Pain that starts gradually, is constant, and may be sharp or a dull ache. Bed rest does not make it better and may make it worse (tumors on the spine often cause night pain). The pain lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks.
• Fever.
• Sensitivity of the spine to touch and pressure.
• Pain that wakes you up from sleep.

Other symptoms or conditions that may occur with Low Back Pain and require additional evaluation and treatment include:

• Depression.
• Drug or alcohol abuse. Use of intravenous (injected or IV) illegal drugs is especially risky.
• Use of steroids over a long period of time.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fever.
• A history of cancer.
• Bladder or bowel problems.
• An illness or condition that affects the immune system, such as diabetes, chemotherapy for cancer treatment, HIV (AIDS), or an organ transplant.