Most people have complained of back pains at a certain point in their lives. Often, the pain goes away after some time. However, if your back pain persists and does not seem to leave, you may need a specialist. Back pain may be caused by several reasons like injury from sports, car accidents, muscle pain, or pain in the joints, disk, or nerves. In most cases, some pain may not be dangerous, while in others, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a fracture or an infection on the spine. Ramsey low back pain specialists at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine are experienced and have advanced techniques to diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain.
When should I visit the doctor for back pain?
Low back pain can be bothersome and hinder you from performing your day-to-day activities. Back pain can range from mild to sharp and instantaneous to debilitating pain. When you experience such a pain that persists and does not seem to heal, despite remedies such as over-the-counter drugs and ice application, several red flags indicate you need to see the doctor. Seek the doctor’s intervention if you experience:
Fever that is accompanied by pain. Fever that occurs with back pain, which does not seem to respond to medications, may be a sign of a serious problem that needs to be addressed by the doctor.
Back pain occurs after trauma. Trauma can occur after a serious fall or accident. Such an injury can cause a fracture that needs to be diagnosed and treated by the doctor.
Numbness or tingling. Numbness or tingling may indicate a problem with the nerves or conditions such as spinal stenosis. If persistent numbness and tingling are not treated, it can lead to a more serious problem, such as disability.
Loss of bowel or bladder control. If you lose control of the bowel or bladder, it may indicate the presence of a more serious problem known as cauda equina syndrome (CES). This condition means that the nerve endings at the bottom of the spine have been compressed and become paralyzed. This occurs due to hernia-infected disks, fractures, or tumors in the spine.
Foot drop. If when walking, your toes seem to drag on the ground and you need to lift your foot to prevent the dragging, you are suffering from foot drop, which indicates a problem with the nerves, muscles, or brain, which causes back pain.
How can I prevent back pain?
Some remedies can help prevent or alleviate back pain. For example, using heat and/or cold, such as ice, going for acupuncture, making your workspace ergonomic, eating a balanced diet with the main aim of achieving healthy bones, sleeping well, practicing a healthy posture, and physical exercise.
Lower back pain can be a persistent and paralyzing condition. Your daily activities can weaken or worsen the condition. If you take some steps to strengthen, stretch, and protect your back, you can prevent or alleviate the pain. Serious lower back pain cases cannot be alleviated by changing your lifestyle, and you should see the doctor if it interferes with your daily living.
