Throughout this website, examples of injuries and their respective prognosis are based on typical representations of those injuries that we commonly see in our office.  As with any injury, each person’s symptoms can vary widely and each person’s recovery from injury can also vary depending upon background, genetics, previous medical history, application of exercises, motivation to follow advice and various other physical factors.  It is impossible to give a complete accurate assessment and prognosis without a thorough physical examination and, likewise, the advice given for management of an injury cannot be deemed fully accurate in the absence of this examination.

If you have ongoing persistent pain of significant duration, it is always good to rule out "red flags".  Red flags are indicators of possible serious pathology such as inflammatory or neurological conditions, structural musculoskeletal damage or disorders, circulatory problems, suspected infections, tumors or systemic disease.  Significant risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek suitable professional advice about your injury.  Below we listed a non-exhaustive list of red flags (in no particular order) for your convenience.  Considered individually, the risk of serious pathology is extremely low. However, when considered in combination of each other, the risk increases.  Use this list to inform a discussion unique to you directly with Kathleen... or seek your primary medical doctor for further investigation if you have an immediate concern with your current condition. 

  • Recent history of trauma

  • Previous history of cancer

  • Uncontrolled blood pressure

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain

  • Unexplained neurological deficit

    • Abnormal reflexes

    • Walking problems

    • Recent vision changes

    • Bilateral pins & needles

    • Mental function problems

    • Changes in ability to walk

    • Changes in speaking ability

    • Decreased sensation / numbness

    • Sudden or recent changes in strength/weakness

    • Sudden changes to or loss of balance;  falls without a specific reason

  • Indigestion or difficulty swallowing

  • Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control

  • Previous history of tuberculosis or osteoporosis

  • Abdominal pain and sudden change in bowels

  • Sudden or recent changes in symptoms when coughing or sneezing

  • Unrelenting night pain: Pain does not let up and is much worse at night

  • Over the age of 50 (due to increased chance of pathological conditions)

  • Sudden or recent changes in sensation especially in the groin or saddle region

  • Constant pain: Pain that is present all the time in a 24 hour period and does not change with positioning