On average, 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. This pain can range from mild to severe. While some back pain will heal over time, some conditions require medical help to feel relief. Continue reading to learn when to go to the doctor for back pain.
Scoliosis, infection, fractures, and herniation are just a few injuries or conditions that can contribute to spinal pain. If you’re experiencing spinal problems, you may need to see spine specialists for treatment.
If you aren’t sure when to go to the doctor for back pain, we’ve created a list of symptoms to watch for.
Your spine plays a vital role in your overall health.
If you’re experiencing pain in your spine, this is going to impact your ability to do normal tasks. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to go see a spine specialist:
If you’re experiencing pain that shoots down your arms or legs, it’s time to see a spine specialist.
The pain could be originating in your spine and causing complications with the rest of your body.
If your back is simply aching from overuse, that should go away in a few days.
Seasonal changes can cause temporary pain in your back as well. Patients report feeling back pain more November through February, as the cold weather causes spine strains.
However, if your pain isn’t going away, this could be a sign of a more serious issue. If pain isn’t going away on its own you may need to seek a treatment plan from a specialist.
If you notice that your back pain flares up more at night, this may signal a bigger problem.
It’s not uncommon to experience back pain during the day when you work at a desk. Even if you have an active job, it’s common to feel fatigued in your back by the end of your workday.
If you notice your pain is the worst at night when you’re trying to sleep, consider having your spine looked at.
If you’re experiencing a fever then this can be the sign of infection within the body.
Believe it or not, you can actually get an infection in your spine. If you’re noticing a fever or weight loss with any of the above symptoms, a spine specialist may need to treat you.
If you’re noticing that you’re losing feeling in your arms or legs, a spinal problem may be responsible.
Additionally, weakness or tingling in the arms and legs can signal a bigger problem. While this symptom can be the result of another ailment, it can be connected to your spinal health as well.
You’re not the only one who is unsure of when to go to the doctor for back pain.
Back pain is such a common ailment and can be caused by so many different factors. Luckily, there are some tell-tale signs that warrant a need for a doctor’s visit.
If back pain has you down, contact us today to set up an appointment!