Jaime HayApproximately 80% of persons in the U.S. suffer from back discomfort at some point during their life. Whether your back discomfort is sporadic, acute, or chronic, you may wonder if it warrants attention. Nevertheless, the magnitude of your symptoms is not the only sign of the seriousness of your back pain. A torn back muscle, for instance, might cause significant pain, but this typically subsides after several days of home therapy. However, for conditions like disc degeneration, you might experience a dull, mild backache that is not necessarily severe but could worsen with time if not corrected. Consider consulting a back pain Naples specialist if you have any of the concerns discussed below.
1) A Severe Fever
A fever caused by severe back pain differs from a fever caused by a virus like the flu, where you would likely have body aches all around, notably in your neck and back. Rather, this sort of fever is usually accompanied by a backache. Once this happens, the fever is frequently a reaction to an infection requiring medical attention.
2) Limb Numbness or Tingling
Some folks report their back pain ‘as a pins and needles,’ sensation, whereas others characterize it as a complete lack of sensation. In either case, this pain indicates an issue with the nerves in the affected back or neck region. Various concerns can cause numbness and tingling in the limbs, including:
- Spinal stenosis
- A herniated disc
- Sciatica
- Failed back syndrome
All these conditions necessitate the care of a spine specialist since chronic nerve irritation can cause irreversible damage and possibly disability in the future.
3) A Traumatic Event
You should get medical assistance if you are in discomfort because of the following:
- An automobile accident
- A fall
- An assault
- Body trauma
You should not disregard the pain caused by such situations. Even if you can walk immediately following a traumatic event, you may have sustained spinal injuries, such as spinal cord lacerations or vertebral fractures.
4) Unaddressed Pain
Numerous individuals with unresolved, lingering back pain learn to live with it. However, if you experience pain in your spine, back, or neck that lasts longer than 6-10 weeks, you should schedule a specialist appointment. Your doctor will determine the cause of your discomfort and assist you in creating an appropriate care plan.
5) Incontinence
Back pain connected with bladder or bowel function loss is extremely dangerous and should not be ignored. Certain illnesses can cause incontinence due to the compression of nerves in the spine, which afflicts the organs that regulate bladder and bowel function.
Incontinence is not usually immediate and can develop gradually once the spinal nerve is involved. Thus, you must visit a doctor immediately if you detect a decline in your bladder or bowel function alongside your back discomfort.
Back pain is one of the leading causes of doctor visits and missed workdays. While most back pain concerns resolve by themselves, they could become debilitating if not addressed. If the back pain worsens or does not improve, or if you have any of the symptoms discussed above, contact interventional pain specialist Dr. Glenn Flanagan. Call the Naples, FL, office or request an appointment online to discuss your back pain problems and explore your care options.
Hugh Hay
