The spine comprises nerves, vertebrae, discs, and bone structures that allow you to stand tall and straight. Your spine is also involved in almost every movement you make. But chronic back pain can occur when it is not functioning optimally due to stressors such as overexertion or accidents (for example, whiplash). Back spasms are also common after exercising or participating in sports.
Even though many people have experienced sharp pain from time to time, more so around the lumbar spine, few are aware of the dangers of ignoring them. Leaving it untreated can worsen back pain and ultimately negatively affect your health and general well-being. That said, here are some things you need to know about the dangers of ignoring back pain:
You May Have More Than Just Back Pain
When people experience back pain, they frequently believe that it results from a simple strain or sprain and that it will go away with physical therapy and rest. Back pain, on the other hand, can be an indication of something far more severe in some cases. Most back pain is caused by the spine, which is in charge of supporting the entire weight of the upper body. As a result, back pain may indicate something wrong with your spine and requires immediate attention.
If you have back pain, your doctor will most likely order an X-ray to rule out a fracture or herniated disc. An X-ray will assist your doctor in determining the source of your pain and excluding other conditions, such as arthritis or a spinal tumor. An X-ray can also reveal whether your pain is caused by your back or by an underlying condition such as kidney stones or a urinary tract infection.
Ignored Diagnosis Can Lead To Extensive Nerve Damage
You may have a compressed nerve in your back, which can cause spinal stenosis, back pain, and numbness and tingling in your limbs, depending on the cause of your pain. If you do not seek treatment for this condition, you may suffer from neural damage, which can cause long-term pain. Pinched or compressed spinal nerves can also result in muscle weakness and loss of function in the limbs through which the nerve runs. For example, if a nerve in your back is compressed, it can impair bladder and bowel function. Extensive damage to the nerves that run through your spinal cord can also result in a loss of mobility.
To Avoid Permanent Change in Posture
Various back and spine problems can cause your spine to curve in an unhealthy way. Scoliosis is a condition that some people have as a result of a spinal injury, not maintaining a healthy weight or an underlying medical condition.
If scoliosis is not treated, it can worsen over time and result in permanent posture changes. You may also experience back and leg pain and breathing difficulties. A brace or other device can help maintain correct posture and relieve pain if you have scoliosis.
Spine Pain Can Affect Your Work Life.
If you have an untreated spine injury, you may need to miss work due to severe pain and the inability to move. If you do not seek treatment, you may develop a long-term disability and need the help of others. You may also face job loss if you are unable to work. So, if you have back pain that keeps you from working, you should seek treatment to relieve your discomfort and return to your normal life.
Your Pain Might Worsen
Back pain may resolve independently for some people with adequate rest and self-care. In others, however, it is a chronic condition that lasts month after month. If your back pain isn’t getting better with time and instead seems to be getting worse and more frequent, you should see a specialist.
If you ignore a serious spine injury, your pain may worsen, necessitating hospitalization and extensive treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation. Ignoring back pain may also result in long-term disability and the need for social assistance. Comprehensive treatment can be costly, and your insurance may not cover it.
New York Spine Specialist Can Help Diagnose and Treat Your Spine Condition.
Back pain is one of the most common and debilitating conditions that can affect anyone at any age. It makes sleeping, sitting, standing, and walking difficult. This can prevent you from participating in your favorite activities and even going to work. So, if you have persistent back pain that interferes with your daily functioning, you may consider seeking medical attention.
You may have considered scheduling an appointment with a general practitioner or another type of primary care physician at this point. However, consulting a New York Spine Specialist can provide additional benefits and advantages when it comes to treating chronic back pain.
Our orthopedic spine surgeons have the necessary training and experience to diagnose and treat back problems and other spine-related conditions. We can assist you in determining the source of your pain and providing an effective treatment plan. The sooner you book an appointment with us, the sooner you can get the treatment you need to relieve or eliminate the pain.
