5 Signs It's Time to See an Orthopedic Back Doctor for Back Pain
Chronic back pain plagues approximately 16 million adults, making daily tasks difficult or even impossible. Fortunately, our Town Center Orthopaedic back doctors have years of training and experience to help you return to an active and healthy lifestyle.
Some back pain, particularly acute back pain, may not need a back and spine specialist to guide you back to a functioning life. Acute back pain typically comes as a sudden injury such as incorrectly working out, lifting weight or items that are too heavy, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, etc. Typically considered flare-ups, these injuries generally heal within a few days. Rest and ice or heat can treat acute injuries. However, if not taken care of properly, an acute injury can turn chronic.
With chronic back pain, the pain you experience lasts for at least three months.
Though chronic pain seems and feels demoralizing, you do not need to live a life with chronic back pain. There are several ways to manage chronic back pain such as physical therapy or using stretches for back pain or ice or heat for back pain, or in some cases, surgery. Regardless of the treatment method, visiting a back doctor and pain specialistwill help you get on the right path.
If you are unsure if you need to see a back doctor or pain specialist, the following are five key signs it is time to visit a back and spine specialist.
When to Visit One of Our Back Doctors or Spine Specialists
Pain lasts for several weeks
As mentioned, chronic pain last three months or longer and acute pain lasts for a few days or weeks. However, if you recently hurt your back and your pain has not gotten better over a few weeks with rest and at-home medication, schedule a visit to a Town Center Orthopaedic back pain doctor. At your appointment, you will discuss your symptoms with your back doctor and undergo further evaluation. It is important to address the pain as soon as possible before the injury becomes more severe.
Pain Spreads Down One or Both of Your Legs
If a shooting pain bursts down either or both of your legs, you may be experiencing sciatica. Sciatica is radiating pain from the lower back and buttock region along the path of the sciatic nerve. This occurs when a herniated disk pinches the nerve. When evaluated, you will undergo a physical examination such as examining the lumbar, pelvis, gait, and a neurological exam.
Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling in Your Legs or Back
Weakness, numbness, or tingling occurring from back pain may be an indication of nerve damage. In most instances, the nerve damage will not be serious, but there are instances where an immediate trip to a back and spine specialistis advisable. Consider visiting a back doctor if over-the-counter medication does not help. Ignoring weakness, numbness, or tingling can lead to serious and permanent damage.
Bowel or Bladder Problems
If your back pain or injury leads to bowel or bladder problems such aa loss of control, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. If fecal or urinary problems persist with back pain, the results may be serious. This could be cauda equina syndrome, where the spinal disc presses on the nerve roots.
Fever
Back pain associated with a fever can be a serious medical condition associated with an infection. A physician will rule out an infection. If a doctor dianosis you with an infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and closely monitor you until your symptoms lessen.
If you experience any of the five signs associated with back pain, scheduling an appointment with a Town Center Orthopaedic back doctor will help you receive the treatment you deserve. The Town Center Orthopaedics back and spine specialists provide high-quality, state-of-the-art orthopedic care for patients. When you experience problems with your back, spine, and neck, your back doctors and pain specialists can provide the treatment you need to reduce pain and get back to normal activity.
Our practice offers several cutting-edge spinal cares such as:
· Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery
· Regenerative Medicine
· X-rays
· Ultrasound
If you feel you need to visit a back doctor because you are experiencing the above signs, call Town Center Orthopaedic at (571) 307-4985 or request an appointment so you can feel better, move better, be better.
