Back pain is a common condition that most people experience at some point in their lives. A dysfunction in the joints, nerves, muscles, and structural issues may cause such pain. Muscle sprains and strains resulting from poor posture, improper lifting, or lack of inactivity can also cause back pain. Remedies for minor pain involve using various at-home therapies such as rest or ice packs. Back pain may be an indication of an underlying condition. Yancey Pain & Spine specialists help manage your pain and offer permanent solutions. They use various treatment plans to ensure that you lead a normal life.
When do I need medical assistance for back pain?
Do not ignore any pain your body has. Your doctor recommends that you see them whenever you feel pain for early detection and treatment. Be sure to seek medical assistance when you experience the following:
- Persistent pain: If your pain has not improved for several days after treatment with home remedies, see your doctor.
- Severe back pain that extends beyond your back: Seek medical help if your pain goes down to your leg. Leg pain might indicate a severe condition, such as a damaged disk in your back.
- Pain after an accident: Your doctor should treat pain that occurs due to a fall or injury. See them specifically if redness or swelling occurs in the affected area.
- Pain that becomes worse: See your doctor if the pain becomes worse some time or in certain positions. More pain at night indicates a serious condition.
- Issues with bowels or urination: If you have difficulty urinating or struggle to have a bowel movement, such issues are signs of back pain. Ensure you talk to your doctor about them.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness: If your pain occurs and is accompanied by numbness or tingling in any part of the body, you should talk to your doctor.
- Sudden loss of weight: Your doctor should check if the sudden loss of weight is a symptom of back pain.
- Fever: You should seek help from a specialist when you experience back pain accompanied by a fever.
What causes spinal stenosis?
When one or several spaces in your spine narrow, it can lead to spinal stenosis, a condition that causes back pain. Various factors cause spinal stenosis. These causes share a common feature of changing the structure of the spine. They cause narrowing of the spaces and nerve roots. The spinal cord and nerve roots become compressed, which causes back pain. The causes of this condition may include:
- Bone overgrowth
- Herniated disks
- Injuries to the spin
- Spinal cord tumors
- Congenital spinal stenosis
- Thickened ligaments
When you experience back pain, it is vital to diagnose and treat an existing condition causing your symptoms. You should not ignore back pain; if the underlying cause is not treated, it might worsen and cause further complications. Lead an everyday life again by booking an appointment with your doctor at Yancey Pain & Spine to get a permanent solution to your back pain.
