Are you suffering from back pain? Nearly 65 million Americans have reported some episode of back pain. If you’re one of them, you’re probably asking yourself when you should see a doctor.
Luckily, most back pain episodes are acute and go away within a few days or a week. For those who aren’t so lucky, you may have to pay a visit to a spine specialist.
If you’ve been worried about when you should seek medical attention for your back pain, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re giving you the top signs that will tell you when to see a spine specialist.
You Are Suffering From Chronic Back Pain
There are two types of pain. Chronic and acute. Acute pain doesn’t last very long and where pain occurs for a few days to a week then goes away.
Chronic pain is when you are still not feeling well longer than four weeks, and underlying issues have been treated.
If you experience chronic back pain, it’s a smart idea to visit an orthopedic spine specialist.
You Experience Pain That Travels Down Your leg
If you feel numbness or tingling in your legs or feet while also feeling pain in your back, this is a sign something may be wrong with your spine. Pressure on your nerves can cause this sense of numbness. A herniated disk or blunt force trauma to your back may be causing your back issues.
If you experience any numbness to your legs, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention.
You Suffer From Bladder and Bowel Problems
People with spinal issues often state their first warning sign was to experience bowel and bladder issues. Damage to the nerves in your spine affects these areas and can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If you experience abdominal cramping or problems with digestion, it could be a sign you have severe back problems.
You have Difficulty With Everyday Activities
People with back pain can do everyday activities such as walking, driving, performing work, and exercising.
If you find yourself unable to do any of those things, you might need to consult a spine specialist to get you back on your feet.
Medication Doesn’t Help
Your primary care doctor might prescribe you pain medication such as Ibuprophen or Tylenol. If the pain is intense, your doctor may prescribe you narcotics such as Oxycodone to help.
Sometimes your pain is so intense that medication doesn’t seem to manage pain. If that’s the case, you’ll need to talk with your primary care physician if they can send you to a specialist to find a solution to your back pain.
Should You See a Spine Specialist?
If you happen to experience any of these cautionary signs that we’ve talked about, it’s time to see a spine specialist. Our clinic has served Nashville for over 40 years and has excelled as one of the best spine specialists in the area..
It’s time to find a solution from a world-class surgical care team. If you want to restore your health, contact us today. Our team will answer all of your questions and get you back to feeling healthy and well.
