Back Pain Questions

BACK PAIN QUESTIONS

Knowing the basics of Back Pain will help patients be able to better understand the problem and allow for making the best decisions in order to live pain-free.

Scoliosis Quiz on the Lipoma page
Pain Quiz on the Lipoma page

3 percent of individuals with progressive curvature may eventually experience severe problems that can include scoliosis and back pain, spinal problems, and nerve compression causing numbness, weakness, and leg pain.

How do I know if my Back Pain is Serious?

For those suffering from back pain, they should contact their doctor or make an appointment with one of our spine specialists when the pain lasts longer than a few weeks; Is severe, and doesn’t improve with rest. Additional reasons are if the pain spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain goes below the knee.

When should Back Pain be Alarming?

For those with back pain that can be associated with a specific activity, such as lifting or twisting, and the pain goes away within 72 hours after resting and applying ice, it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if pain creeps on gradually, appears suddenly, or doesn’t go away, you might have a more serious condition that requires seeing a back doctor like us.

When should I call 911 for Back Pain?

If your back pain is unrelenting and not relieved by rest, you should immediately visit the closest emergency room. If the pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should also seek emergency care: Fever. Numbness.

When Can Back Pain be Serious?

A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain). Sometimes, medical conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve), or ankylosing spondylitis can cause back pain. Very rarely can back pain be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer, or an infection.

What is a Red Flag for Back Pain?

“Red flags” include pain that lasts more than 6 weeks; pain in persons younger than 18 years or older than 50 years; pain that radiates below the knee; a history of major trauma; constitutional symptoms; atypical pain (eg, that which occurs at night or that is unrelenting); the presence of a severe or rapidly.

How do you know if Back Pain is Muscular or Spinal?

Your spinal disc is at the bottom of your back, so if you have pain in your lower back, you may assume it is a slipped disc. Furthermore, the feeling of pain will differ between a spinal and a muscular problem. Muscle pain will feel like post-workout soreness, while disc pain will feel debilitating and tingly.

What happens if I Ignore my Back Pain Questions?

Prolonged nerve irritation, which occurs when back pain is left untreated for too long, can lead to permanent disabilities. Untreated vertebrae injuries can even lead to spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spinal canal), radiculopathy (severe nerve pain), and nerve damage

When is Sciatic Pain an Emergency?

If you are having neurological symptoms like leg weakness or loss of bowel or bladder control because of your pain or sciatica, go to your healthcare provider or emergency room immediately. These symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem that requires medical care right away

How do I Answer my Doctor’s Back Pain Questions?

Here are some words you can use to describe your back pain:

  1. Sharp
  2. Shooting.
  3. Dull
  4. Aching.
  5. Excruciating
  6. Punishing.
  7. Exhausting
  8. Tiring.

What is the Smartest Thing I can do for Back Pain?

The smartest thing you can do is give us a call and get examined.  Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, but, even if it is, catching it early will significantly aid in your back being treated and getting you back to normal.

 

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We’re here to help STOP THE PAIN
If you are an adult living with scoliosis or have a child with this condition and need a doctor who specializes in orthopedic surgery,
call the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment today.