How do I know if my back pain is serious?
February 04, 2019 | By Pheron@
Back pains are the most common reasons people miss work or go to the doctor. Back pain is also a leading cause of disability all over the world. The pains range from mild to severe. While most back pains will go away on their own, some require the attention of a doctor. But how do you know you need to see a chiropractor?
Traumatic event
If the back pain you are experiencing is a result of trauma to the body (fall, assault, or car accident), you need to see a doctor immediately. Shaking the pain off as a no big deal might cause you a lot of problems later. This is more so if the pain from a traumatic event has not gone away after 48 hours. Needless to say, back pain resulting from a traumatic event can cause damage to the spine even if you are still able to walk and complete daily tasks after the traumatic event. Undiagnosed and untreated spinal injuries cause serious problems later.
Limb numbness
Limb numbness with tingling requires the attention of a doctor. Some people describe this type of pain as ‘pins and needles’ sensation. This often signals problems with the nerves. Numbness and tingling can be caused by a range of things including herniated disc, or sciatica of the spinal stenosis. This type of pain warrants a visit to the office of a chiropractor. The prolonged irritation of the nerves can cause permanent damage and even disability.
Fever
This does not refer to the typical fever that is caused by a virus. It is the unresolved fever that is accompanied by back pains. When you have this type of fever, there is a very good chance you have an infection that needs to be looked at.
Incontinence
If your back pain seems to be linked to loss of function in the bowels or bladder, you need to see a doctor immediately. Incontinence results from the compression of nerves in the spine that travel down and affect organs control bowel and bladder functions. The loss of incontinence does not have to be sudden. It can happen gradually over a long period of time when the spinal nerves are involved. This may also include weakness or numbness in your legs. If you have declining bowel or bladder control and you have back pains, you need to see a doctor.
Unresolved back pain
Some people experience back pains that are an annoyance but have learned how to live with the pain. If you have been experiencing consistent pain in the spine or neck that doesn’t go away for more than 6 weeks, you should consider contacting a chiropractor to help you understand what is going on.
You don’t have to go through life dealing with back pains you don’t want others to know about. There are treatment options available and all you need to do is reach out. Perry Chiropractic Health Center is one of the best clinics you can head to if you are tired of dealing with never-ending back pain. They offer all-rounded chiropractic treatment that will give you relief from back pains.
