Back pain is the most common cause of work-related absences in the United States, and everyone experiences some form of back pain at some point in their life. This commonality, however, can make it difficult to differentiate simple back pain caused by, say, sleeping in the wrong posture from a serious spinal condition. In this guide, we review five signs that there is more to your back pain and that you should see a spine specialist for treatment.
Why Should You See a Specialist for Back Pain?
Because back pain is so common, it can be anything. Your chair may be uncomfortable, forcing you to strain your back, or you may have strained your spine trying to pick up a heavy box. However, back pain could also be a sign of a serious spinal issue, and this is not something you want to risk.
By consulting a specialist, you can confirm or rule out a serious problem. A spine specialist will usually evaluate your symptoms and medical history and conduct diagnostic tests to determine the source of your pain. They may then recommend treatment options depending on the results.
Many treatment plans begin with conservative measures like medication, physical therapy, steroid injections, and lifestyle changes. If these do not help, your specialist may move you to minimally invasive interventions like stem cell therapy and the Discseel Procedure, which does not require incisions or general anesthesia and has a quick recovery time. Spinal surgery is usually a last resort.
When Should You See a Specialist for Back Pain?
But how do you know when to see a specialist? Consider these four warning signs:
Persistent or Increasing Back Pain
When your back pain gets more severe over time or persists for weeks or months, it is a sign that the problem is serious and not resolving on its own. You may have a herniated or bulging disc or compressed nerves in your spinal column. These problems can only be resolved through treatment.
Pain That Does Not Respond to Home Treatments
You can usually treat a minor back sprain at home with RICE therapy, massage, stretching, or changing your posture. But if your pain is debilitating and does not respond to home treatments, you should see a doctor. You may need diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying cause of your back pain.
Numbness or Weakness in the Feet or Legs
Your spine houses your spinal cord, a network of nerves and neurons that power motor and sensory functions in your body. If your back pain is accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs or feet, your spinal cord may be compromised. These symptoms often indicate compressed nerves resulting from bone spurs, stenosis, or disc herniation.
Changes in Your Posture or Gait
If you notice yourself changing your posture or gait to limit your pain, you should seek help. Severe back pain caused by spinal instability can sometimes restrict your mobility and range of motion. This problem only worsens the longer you ignore it, and you may soon find it difficult to sit or stand up straight or move at all without excruciating pain.
Wrapping Up
Even the mildest forms of back pain can be challenging to live with because your back is crucial to your mobility. Your spine determines how you walk, sit, move around, and lie down. As such, consistent or severe back pain can significantly lower the quality of your life. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact the specialists at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine to discuss diagnosis and treatment options like the Discseel Procedure.
