At what age should a person be scared if they hurt their back?

If anything to do with back pain scares you and you don't want to have long term issues, then consult with a physician. A person of any age could be justifiably scared.

Any age can be a danger... seriously, I get an aching back if I have been particularly busy doing chores but that's always been the case.. nothing new, it always eases after I rest a bit..  I did hurt my back a few weeks ago..but after a few days it got better.. I am 52 - and my back's no more or less likely to hurt than it was 20 years ago.. 

My son injured his back in a work place neglect thing... he was 23 at the time - it took him 4 years to recover... maybe he will always have some residual weakness.. 

I think age isn't so much a factor, more what you do with the back.. 

probably at any age, go get it checked out by your doctor

Does that make sense?

If you hurt your back go to the doctor.

It doesn't matter how OLD you are.

Definitely no doctor here but hurting your back doing chin ups sounds likely to be a strain? Bending, twisting, lifting or falling seem to be the usual culprits in permanent or severe injuries. Many people have bulging disc and some never have a problem with it. When I was young I was working out and maxed out on military press. My back was super tight and then a friend and I went out to throw the football. I stripped my ligaments and that took over 6 months to mend. I don't think I had any permanent damage from that. I now have a few bulging disc as well as two pars fractures. I think that the disc give me more problems that the fractures. Be careful how you lift stuff (bend with knees etc) and don't lift too much. You're muscles may be able to handle it but your disc may not. 

So odd. I was just writing for a physical therapist about back injuries last night. Obviously, the best thing to do is to have it checked out, but with that said, there's nothing particularly worrisome about what you've mentioned. Age is only one factor, but there are lots of possible factors. Yes, as people age, our discs do start to break down some, and this can cause shifting of discs, bulging discs, and other things. But, even those aren't a death sentence, and the amount of degeneration has a lot to do with how well you take care of yourself and genetic factors. A whole lot of the more serious issues don't tend to kick in until 60 or so. The exception is if you've been rough with your body or carry extra weight. So, more than likely, you were too tight when you started moving and you pulled something. Bed rest is actually not the best thing. You're supposed to keep moving as much as you feel comfortable with. Taking ibuprofen can help reduce some of the inflammation, so hopefully things relax and go back to how they should be. Most things like this heal up  within a few weeks on their own. Massage might be an option as well- it can help reduce inflammation and the tightness that caused the injury.

Going forward, you'd want to make sure your body is getting what it needs, which means no working out without stretching first. You may also want to do exercises aimed at improving your range of motion and flexibility. A PT can walk you through what's best for you, but basic stretches and things like yoga should be part of your routine if you're going to exercise. That way, your body is prepared for the twisting and such. 


Official disclaimer: This answer (and any other comments made by the poster) should be used for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. If you feel you may have a medical condition, please seek the advice of a qualified medical professional, and not some random chick online. :)

Cool, how many reps of chin-ups can you do in a max set?

:)

I agree with everyone else here; there is never a good age to hurt your back. See your Doctor, just to be on the safe side.

My back is actually feeling a lot better today.
Thanks everyone for the great advice and for being supportive. : )