5 Signs Your Back Pain Is Time to See a Doctor
Back pain is a common problem that many people experience at some point in their lives. It is usually not serious and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers or home remedies.
For example, simple stretches and exercises, applying heat or cold to the affected area, and massaging the muscles often provide relief.
Read more: 8 Stretches to Relieve Lower Back Pain.
However, in some cases, back pain may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention. If you experience these five signs, it’s best to seek medical help immediately.
1) You feel pain after the accident
Car accidents, falls, and other types of trauma can cause back pain. If you are injured in any accident, you must seek medical attention immediately, even if you think you are not injured.
Pain can be caused by a variety of causes, such as injury, degenerative changes, or pinched nerves. However, if the pain is severe, it may indicate a serious problem.
For example, if you experience pain after a fall, it may indicate a spinal fracture.
2) Numbness, tingling or weakness in legs
If back pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. This is especially true if the symptoms extend below the knee. These symptoms may be caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis and can be severe. With proper treatment, most cases of back pain can resolve relatively quickly.
3) Certain postures can worsen pain
Sometimes, your back pain may feel better when you move around or change positions. But other times, certain positions—such as bending down to pick something up—can worsen the pain.
This is especially true if the pain worsens when you stoop or stoop. This may be a sign of a herniated disc, which occurs when the gel-like center of the disc pushes out from a tear in the outer layer of the disc. A herniated disc can cause nerve pain that worsens when you bend your back.
If you have back pain, pay attention to what makes the pain better or worse.
4) Incontinence
If you suddenly become incontinent or lose control of your bowels or bladder, this could indicate a serious problem. This can be caused by infection or damage to the spinal cord.
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that extends from the brain to the spine. It controls all movements and sensations in the body. If injured, paralysis or loss of sensation may result.
If you have any of these symptoms, your doctor may order an MRI or CT scan to check for damage to your spine.
5) Weight loss and fever
Back pain accompanied by fever may be a sign of an infection, such as a spinal abscess. This is especially true if you have recently been hospitalized or had back surgery. Other signs that an infection may cause back pain include chills, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms, you must consult your doctor immediately.
for lower Back Pain Relief in Chicagotouch Illinois Pain and Spine Institute. Our pain management experts provide comprehensive medical care for patients with acute and chronic back pain, including minimally invasive spinal surgery.
