When should I see a doctor for lower back pain?
Most people experience back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disabilities worldwide, so it should be treated with seriousness. Back pain comes in various forms, ranging from a dull aching sensation to radiating pain into different parts of the body. Back pain can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as muscle weakness, fever, and the loss of bowel control. Acute back pain usually lasts for a few days, but chronic back pain lasts for over three weeks and worsens with time.
Back Center New Jersey is a state-of-the-art medical center led by interventional pain doctors specializing in pain management. We have state-of-the-art offices throughout New Jersey, including Clifton, Paramus, West Orange, and Woodland Park. Our Clifton back center is located at 1117 US-46, Suite 205, the Paramus back center is located at 140 NJ-17, Suite 269, the Woodland Park back center is located at 1167 McBride Avenue, Suite 200, and the West Orange back center is located at 445 Pleasant Valley Way.
Below, we highlight the signs and symptoms indicating you need to consult a back pain specialist. If you notice any of these problems, please schedule an appointment with the pain specialists at your nearest back center in New Jersey.
When you’ve had back pain for over a week
Most cases of back pain subside within a few days, especially if you rest and immobilize the injured parts. But if your back pain has lasted for over a week, you need to contact your back pain doctor. Your back pain doctor will perform thorough evaluations and examinations to identify the root cause of back pain before it worsens. It’s always best to address the root cause of back pain at the earliest stage possible.
When the symptoms extend to other parts of your body
You should contact your back pain doctor if the symptoms of back pain shoot into other parts of your body, such as your buttocks, legs, and calves. If back pain extends down the buttocks and the back of your legs, you may have sciatic nerve pain. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, spreading from the lower back down the back of both legs. You must contact your back pain doctor if you experience radiating pain that resembles the signs of sciatica.
When you experience numbness and tingling sensations
If your back pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling sensations, and the loss of sensation in various parts of the body, you may have nerve problems or radiculopathy. When the nerves surrounding your spine are compressed or irritated, they send pain signals into different parts of the body and cause changes in sensation, such as numbness and tingling sensations. The symptoms of nerve radiculopathy must be investigated by back pain doctors.
When you experience back pain after a major accident
You must contact a back pain doctor if you experience back pain after an accident, such as a car accident or sports injury. Even if you don’t have severe back pain, aching and painful sensations after injuries or falls may indicate underlying fractures. It’s best to treat potential spinal fractures at the earliest stage possible rather than allow them to worsen, which can lead to devastating consequences.
When back pain is accompanied by the loss of bowel control
You must seek help from back pain doctors if your back pain is accompanied by the loss of bowel control and involuntary urination. When the nerves in the lower spine are paralyzed, you lose control over your bowel movements and urinary glands. As such, if lower back pain is accompanied by numbness and the loss of bowel control, you must contact a back pain doctor without delay. This is an emergency situation.
When you have unexplained weight loss
Severe back pain accompanied by an unexplained weight loss can indicate underlying tumors or infections. If you have suddenly lost considerable weight without major dietary or lifestyle changes and have back pain, you need to contact your back pain specialist.
When back pain is accompanied by fever
Fevers can occur because of numerous factors, including the simple flu. But if you can’t control your fever with over-the-counter medications and have severe back pain, you may have an underlying infection. Your back pain doctor will determine if you have an infection and administer antibiotics.
Can a lumbar strain be permanent?
A lumbar strain refers to injuries that affect the tendons, ligaments, and muscles around the lower back region. Rest, icing, elevation, and compression can generally alleviate back pain caused by lumbar strains. And if the pain persists, you may need physical therapy and over-the-counter medications. Lumbar strains aren’t permanent, and they’re easily treated.
Which doctor should I see for lower back pain?
If you have lower back pain, you should consult an interventional back pain specialist. Interventional back pain doctors use cutting-edge diagnostic tools and techniques to identify and treat the root cause of lower back pain. They avoid addictive opioids and complex surgical procedures.
Why does my lower back hurt randomly?
If you have acute lower back pain, you may have sustained an injury to the muscles and ligaments around your back because of falls, accidents, sports injuries, etc.
Why does my spinal cord hurt?
Your spinal cord may hurt because of spinal damage to the ligaments, tendons, vertebrae, and spinal discs between your vertebrae and spinal cord.
Why does my back hurt when I turn?
If your lower back hurts when you turn, you may have an overstretched or torn muscle in the lower back. This can happen when you lift heavy objects and engage in activities that involve a lot of twisting and turning movements.
Recent Comments