When should I see a pain doctor for back pain?

Back pain is a common complaint so how do you know when that aches in your back needs a doctor? If your back pain occurs along with any of the following symptoms or red flags, home remedies and rest is not going to help and it is time to see a pain doctor.

Fever

An unresponsive fever, accompanied by back pain, could indicate a serious infection. You need to consult a pain doctor right away.

Trauma

If you have suffered serious trauma, like falling from a height or a car accident, and you are experiencing back pain, see a doctor immediately.

Numbness or Tingling

Back pain with numbness or prickly tingling could be a sign of nerve irritation or damage and is more serious than ordinary back pain. If that pins-and-needles sensation doesn’t go away, you may be experiencing a condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, and nerve pressure. Left untreated, prolonged nerve irritation and damage can cause permanent disability. So, see a pain doctor right away.

Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control

Back pain, accompanied by a loss of bowel or bladder control, can be a telltale sign of a serious condition – cauda equina syndrome. In this condition, the nerve roots in the lower end of the spinal cord are compressed and become paralyzed. This could be the result of a herniated disk, fracture, tumor, spinal stenosis, or trauma to the spine. Symptoms may develop over time and also include numbness and weakness of the legs. Cauda equina syndrome is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Medical history

If you have a history of cancer, compromised immune system, osteoporosis, or chronic steroid use and you are experiencing back pain, it needs to be investigated by a doctor right away.

Foot Drop

While walking, if you notice your toes dragging along the ground or you need to consciously lift your foot higher to compensate for the dragging, it could be a case of foot drop. If it is accompanied by back pain, it could be a sign of a nerve or muscle problem, and should be examined by a doctor.

Night Pain

If your back keeps hurting even at night or pain that wakes you up in the middle of the night can be a sign of a degenerating disc or a sprain, or something more serious. Make a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Back pain, accompanied by unexpected and unexplained weight loss, needs to be investigated by a pain doctor.

Prolonged Pain (6+ weeks)

Since a large number of back pain cases get better within 6 weeks, seek a pain doctor if your pain is still severe after 6 weeks.

Advanced Age

For people over 70, there’s an increased likelihoodof back pain stemming from infection, tumors, and abdominal.

IV Drug Use

Prolonged use of IV drugs can make you more prone to infection.

If you wish to talk tothe best restorative pain management and internal medicine doctors in San Diego, call Pacific Medical Care at 619-333-8114 Today.

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pacificmedical Joined: October 24th, 2018