A significant percentage of individuals experiencing back pain in Houston attribute their discomfort to daily life factors like lifting heavy loads, overdoing an exercise or sitting for extended periods. No matter how severe the pain is, the chances are high that the patients will feel better or the symptoms resolve entirely within approximately six weeks.
Though a significant percentage of back pains have no severe underlying issue, the absence of a health scare does not mean that you will not be in pain.
Unfortunately, back pain has become common, prompting the victims to shrug off the red flags that need urgent care. While back pain resulting from lifting loads might resolve with ice application and rest within 72hours, a systematic dull ache dramatically developing over time might indicate a severe underlying condition.
What are the warning back pain signs you should look out for?
Thanks to your spinal structure, your lower back and neck are likely to show symptoms. Ensure to contact your doctor when you experience pain in areas near your thoracic spine or when you have a slipped disc for a thorough evaluation, especially if the prolapsed disc presses or irritates one of the several nerves originating from your spinal cord.
On the other hand, you might need a medical emergency when you experience disabling symptoms resulting from rare but potentially chronic lower back concerns like cauda equina syndrome when bone spurs or slipped discs compress the serves at the bottom of your spinal cord.
Therefore, the red flags you should watch out for with back pain include:
- Instant and unexplained weakness in either or both of your legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness, especially in areas around your buttocks
- Unrelenting radiating pain
- Instant sharp pains
Besides the symptoms, you might also need to go for an evaluation, especially if you have osteoporosis, use steroids or have (or had) cancer. You should also contact your primary physician if the pain fails to resolve or worsens with therapy and medication.
When is back pain a severe health concern?
Your symptoms’ severity is not the only indication that you should not ignore the health concern. Other factors your doctor might consider include the condition’s chances of affecting your overall life with time. For instance, pain resulting from a pulled lower back might be intense but resolve within a few days. On the other hand, moderately dull ache resulting from lumbar degenerative disc ailment may worsen over time if you fail to contact your primary physician for medical assistance.
Seeking immediate help does not indicate that you require an emergency. However, it is a sign that you need an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that might address your debilitating symptoms and the underlying health concern likely to cause the pain.
Whether the back pain requires surgical treatment or your doctor can help you manage the symptoms with conservative options, you must see a spine specialist for a thorough evaluation. Do not let back pain disabling symptoms adversely affect your mobility when you can contact an expert for help. The earlier you go for a diagnosis, the easier it will be for you and the spine specialist to manage the symptoms.
