Back pain is a common cause of misery not only among many Americans but among millions of people the world over. It comes as no surprise that it has been deemed by experts as one of the world’s biggest health problems.
Many cases of back pain are either self-limiting or respond to conservative treatment (over-the-counter pain medications, massage, and/or rest), but there are those that can greatly interfere with a person’s normal function. As such, you may want to consider consulting a back pain doctor— especially if any of the following conditions ring true to you.
Back Pain That Has Occurred After an Injury
Bad falls and traffic accidents can cause back injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and strains. Back pain associated with an injury warrants a visit to a back pain doctor to ascertain that the injury is not affecting your spine.
Severe Back Pain
Severe back pain indicates a serious injury. The level of pain is an indicator of the severity of the injury. If the pain is so intense that you are unable to focus on anything else as well as sleep at night, it is in your best interest to see a back pain doctor.
Back Pain That Radiates Down Your Legs
If your back pain is accompanied by weakness and/or a tingling sensation in your lower extremities, you may have irritated or compressed your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down into your lower extremities. Sciatic nerve compression (sciatica), when left untreated, can lead to nerve damage and chronic pain.
Fever
Back pain accompanied by fever (over 100F) is indicative of a spinal infection, which can also cause a feeling of warmth and redness on your back.
Severe Back Pain Accompanied by Bladder and Bowel Control Problems
Severe back pain that is accompanied by bladder and bowel control problems is a symptom of cauda equina syndrome— a condition that results from the severe compression of the nerve roots surrounding the spinal cord.
An untreated herniated disc or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) is a common cause of cauda equina syndrome. This is a medical emergency and therefore requires a visit to a back pain doctor.
Back Pain That Is Chronic or Recurring
If your back pain has persisted for more than a week with treatment and a month without treatment, then it pays to consider seek intervention from a back pain doctor.
Chronic or recurring pain is a symptom of any of the conditions listed below:
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Injury to the spinal cord
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
Back Pain Relief in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Royal Oak, Michigan
At Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren has built an impeccable reputation for providing exceptional care to patients throughout Southeast Michigan. He offers innovative nonsurgical treatment options and has performed numerous successful surgeries to address the full spectrum of spine conditions and injuries. His expertise and extensive experience have enabled him to help countless patients enjoy long-term or permanent relief from back pain and live a good quality of life.
To make an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, call us at (248) 215-8080 or use our online request form.
