We know you’ve probably had back discomfort at some point in your life.
Lower back discomfort is the world’s greatest cause of disability, according to the Global Burden of Disease. Half of all working Americans will succumb to the Back Pain Monster in a single year.
While it may appear to be a common occurrence, there are occasions when this pain should not be overlooked.
But when does it become too much? When should you see an orthopedic spine specialist?
Continue reading to discover out.
What Is the Role of an Orthopedic Spine Specialist?
Around 80% of Americans suffer from back discomfort, and it is sometimes up to doctors to figure out why.
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine concerned with the musculoskeletal system. Spine experts, of course, concentrate solely on spine-related ailments and concerns.
These doctors are trained to diagnose and treat diseases affecting or originating from the spine using surgery or other methods. As a result, an orthopedic spine specialist is often known as a spine surgeon.
Orthopedic experts are well-versed in their field. They attended school for at least eight years, studying the ins and outs of their trade. Several of those years are spent in clinical settings when aspiring surgeons gain further knowledge through residencies and specialty fellowships.
If you’ve ever looked for a “spine doctor near me,” you’ll want to discover an experienced back doctor. Many people ask what the distinction is between a specialist and a chiropractor. Chiropractors can adjust the spine to provide relief, but only experts can do surgery.
5 Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor
Knowing when to throw in the towel is critical. Nobody wants to live with chronic back pain, and ignoring symptoms may be deadly.
1. Constant Pain
There are various categories that might help you assess whether your pain is persistent.
Acute pain is transient, meaning it lasts for a few days or weeks. Typically, the cause will vanish and no additional measures will be required to ease the individual’s pain.
If your back pain persists beyond four weeks, you may be suffering from subacute discomfort. Subacute discomfort might continue for up to a year.
The majority of these aches are mechanical in nature, which means they may be treated without surgery. A visit to a chiropractor may be all that is required at times.
Then there’s chronic pain, which lasts more than 12 weeks and continues even after injuries or underlying causes have been addressed.
These are the boo-boo lords of back pain, impacting roughly 20% of people with low back pain each year.
If you’ve been suffering from chronic pain, it’s time to see a professional.
2. Bowel and Bladder Problems
If you find yourself racing to the bathroom or sitting on the toilet for hours on end (neither of which is enjoyable), it may be time to consult an expert.
Irritable intestines Syndrome (IBS) and nerve injury are two conditions that can affect the intestines, bladder, and back.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome can produce abdominal cramps and excessive stool (yep, your pooping experience isn’t quite right), which can lead to lower back problems.
In the other direction, nerve injury in the back can cause gut discomfort and impair digestion.
3. Leg or foot ache
Pain or numbness in the legs or feet, along with back pain, is a sure indicator you should consult a professional.
Tingling feelings or weakness in the hip, legs, and foot might result from pressure on the nerves or spine. A herniated disk can sometimes strain on the sciatic nerve, interfering with leg muscle control.
Cervical radiculopathy is another possibility. When a nerve root near the cervical vertebrae is crushed, this happens. It might result in discomfort or numbness in the extremities.
These problems may frequently be solved mechanically. In some circumstances, surgery may be necessary.
4. Fever
Our temperatures naturally vary, and we all have “bugs” from time to time.
If you have a fever and significant pain in the lumbar or thoracic spine, don’t worry, but keep an eye on the situation.
You most likely have the flu or another infection that occurs immediately after a muscular strain or pull. With so many individuals suffering from back discomfort, it’s less of a coincidence than you may believe.
The flu and other diseases also make our bodies hyper-aware of any discomfort, which is why we feel like we’ve been run over when we’re sick.
A fever accompanied by back discomfort, on the other hand, might be an indication of something more serious, such as cancer or bacterial infections.
Fatigue, weight loss, and fevers are virtually usually symptoms of cancer. While cancer of the spine is infrequent, it is fairly unusual for other forms to spread to the region.
Another unusual option is a bacterial infection, which, like cancer, rarely starts in the spine. It, too, can spread from other organs or produce stomach and pelvic pain that spreads to the lower back.
5. Loss of Weight
You’ve been going to the gym and are finally shedding those “handles,” but your back is hurting you.
This might be linked to your newfound weight, believe it or not.
You may be depriving your body of critical nutrients by reducing the number of calories ingested. This might result in bone density loss and spinal misalignment.
The remedy is usually to enhance your muscle strength and nutrition. If this doesn’t help or you’re in a lot of pain, you should consult with an orthopedic back expert.
However, unintended weight reduction is a very another story.
We’re all delighted to lose a few pounds, but if you’re losing weight without trying, there’s something wrong. Cancer spreads and puts pressure on organs and other bodily components. This causes discomfort in certain locations.
If you have recently lost weight inadvertently and are suffering back pain, consult a physician.
Today is the day to get rid of your pain.
Contact an orthopedic back expert right away if you’ve been having back discomfort of any kind.