20 Unmistakable Red Flags Your Backbone Might Be Screaming for Help

3. Persistent Back Stiffness That Won’t Go Away

Waking up with a stiff back every once in a while isn’t unusual, but chronic stiffness could indicate spinal trouble. The stiffness may be caused by degenerative disc disease, arthritis, poor posture, or a misaligned spine. Over time, these conditions can reduce spinal flexibility, making everyday activities—like bending down to tie your shoes—painful or difficult. If your back feels locked up more often than not, or if stretching and movement don’t relieve the stiffness, it could be a sign that your spine is struggling to function properly.

4. Sharp, Shooting Pain in Your Legs or Arms

Pain that radiates from the lower back down through the leg or from the neck into the arms is often a sign of nerve compression in the spine. This type of pain is commonly linked to conditions like sciatica or cervical radiculopathy, where herniated discs or bone spurs press against spinal nerves. This can cause intense, shooting pain, weakness, or numbness along the nerve’s path. If you feel electric-like pain traveling down your limbs, your spine may be sending out a distress call that needs medical attention.