The back area is a complicated part of the body. In fact, it’s one of the most complex, with a network of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles all working together to keep you standing up straight and mobile. But when something goes wrong with this intricate system of support, things can get really uncomfortable, really fast.
If you’ve ever experienced back pain before, you know that there are many different types of aches and pains that can strike your spine at almost any time. Some people have a tendency to experience bouts of back pain more frequently than others do, and if you’re one of those people, it’s important to know when it’s time to consult a spine specialist for an official diagnosis and treatment plan.
6 Back Pain Symptoms That You Should Never Ignore
The following are some of the symptoms that may indicate that you need to consult a back pain doctor in Brooklyn, NY:
Severe Back Pain That Lasts More Than a Week
If chronic back pain is interfering with your daily activities, it’s critical to see a spine doctor. The longer you wait for treatment, the less effective it will be. A herniated disc can cause sharp or acute back pain. This happens when a portion of the disc bulges outward through a hole in the disc’s outer covering (annulus).
It’s important to note that not all sharp or stabbing pains are caused by herniated discs; they can also indicate other conditions like muscle spasms or arthritis. However, if you notice this type of symptom, you should see a back pain specialist right away so they can figure out what’s causing the chronic pain.
Pain that Spreads to Other Body Parts
If you’re experiencing dull aches in your lower back or radiating down your legs, it could be a sign of sciatica—a pinched nerve that causes pain and numbness along the sciatic nerve pathway. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, visit a pain management clinic. Back pain doctors can determine if you have a disc herniation or spinal stenosis (when the space between two vertebrae narrows).
Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness
This is one of the most common symptoms of spinal problems. It could be caused by nerve compression or irritation or by other structures within the spine. If this happens, you may experience numbness or weakness in the area beneath your discomfort. The longer this condition persists, the more likely it is that permanent nerve damage and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis will develop.
Changes in Bowel and Bladder Function
Back pain can interfere with bowel movements if it compresses nerve roots exiting through vertebral bone openings at various levels of the spine. Changes in bowel function, such as constipation or diarrhea, can result from this.
Changes in bladder function are also common in people suffering from back pain because the nerves controlling this function also pass through vertebral openings in the spine. These nerve fibers aid in urination control by stimulating muscles that regulate urine flow from the bladder and urethra.
Fever
When you visit your doctor for back pain, one of the first things they will ask is if you have a fever. Fever can indicate an infection or other serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. A fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) should always prompt an immediate visit to the doctor’s office or emergency room.
Pain that Gets Worse in Certain Positions and Times
If your pain worsens at night or when you sit for long periods of time, it could be a sign of pinched nerves or pressure on your lower back’s nerve roots. The same is true if your pain worsens when you bend forward, stretch backward, or stand for extended periods of time.
Furthermore, if your back pain makes it difficult for you to get out of a chair, walk around, pick up objects from the floor, or climb stairs, this could indicate that something serious is wrong with your spine.
How Is Back Pain Diagnosed?
The physician will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. They may perform some tests to help them diagnose the problem. These include:
X-ray tests to identify bone problems such as arthritis or fractures
CT scans provide more detailed images of internal organs than X-rays do
MRI scans reveal soft tissues without exposing you to radiation
Back Pain Treatment
A spine doctor will determine which treatment plan is best for you. The following are common treatments:
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist collaborates with patients to develop an individualized pain-relief exercise program. They also teach patients how to protect themselves from future injury by teaching them pain management techniques such as muscle-strengthening exercises and yoga.
Some physical therapists are pain treatment specialists who work with athletes who have sustained injuries due to sports-related activities like running track or playing football. These pain specialists can offer valuable insight into what caused your injury and how you can avoid future problems.
Medication
Medications are primarily used to provide short-term relief from acute lower back and neck pain caused by certain types of injuries (such as whiplash). Analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs may be prescribed by pain management doctors (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Surgery or Injections
Surgery may be used to treat certain types of back pain, particularly if there is nerve compression that is not relieved by other treatments. Some types of back pain, such as epidural steroid injections, also respond better to injections.
Contact New York Spine Specialist for Back Pain Consultation in Brooklyn
It’s critical to find a specialist who understands the complexities of your spine and its supporting structures. A spine specialist from New York Spine Specialist in Brooklyn, NY, will provide you with expert diagnosis and treatment methods tailored to your specific condition. Working with our spine specialists gives you the peace of mind that you’re in good hands when it comes to protecting your spine from further damage and healing from any injuries you may have sustained. Contact us today at (516) 355-0111 or request an appointment.