Back pain is a common issue that many people experience at some point in their lives. Most minor aches and pains can be taken care of with rest and over-the-counter drugs, but sometimes they need more specialized care. Knowing when to seek the help of a professional can prevent further injury and ensure that you’re on the right track to recovery. Here are the top 5 signs it’s time to consult a Denver back specialist for help with your back pain.
1. Persistent or Severe Pain
One of the most obvious signs it’s time to see a back specialist is if you experience persistent or severe pain. If your back pain doesn’t improve after a few days of rest, or if it becomes increasingly worse, it’s important to seek professional help. This could indicate that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Back problems like sciatica, fractured discs, or spinal stenosis can cause a lot of pain that lasts for a long time. A back doctor in Denver can do the tests that are needed to figure out what’s wrong.
2. Numbness or Tingling Sensations
If your back, legs, or feet start to feel cold or tingly, this could be a sign that a nerve is being affected. These strange feelings can be caused by diseases that put pressure on nerves, like a bulging or herniated disc. If you don’t fix this symptom, nerve damage can get worse over time and cause problems like losing the ability to move or use your muscles. A back expert can use diagnostic tests, like an MRI or nerve conduction study, to find the problem and suggest the best way to treat it.
3. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
Loss of bladder or bowel control all of a sudden is one of the scariest signs that you need to see a Denver back doctor. Cavus equine syndrome is a dangerous disease in which the nerves at the end of the spinal cord get squished. This could be a sign of it. This medical issue needs to be dealt with right away. You should see a doctor right away if you have both incontinence and serious back pain. A back expert can look at your condition and tell you if surgery or other treatments are needed to relieve the pressure on your spinal cord.
4. Radiating Pain
Pain that radiates from your back into other areas of your body, particularly the legs, is another red flag that may warrant a visit to a Denver back specialist. Radiating pain, also known as referred pain, can occur when nerve roots in your spine become irritated or compressed. This type of pain can often be associated with sciatica, which is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. If the pain goes down your legs or into your arms, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, like a slipped disc or an out-of-place spine. A back specialist will be able to diagnose the root cause and suggest effective treatment options.
5. Difficulty Moving or Standing Up Straight
If you find it difficult to stand up straight or if you’re unable to move freely without experiencing intense discomfort, it’s time to see a specialist. There are many things that can make your back stiff or motionless, like muscle spasms, arthritis, or even a broken spine. These issues can greatly impact your quality of life, making it hard to complete everyday tasks. A back specialist can help identify the cause of the stiffness or immobility and recommend treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or, in more severe cases, surgery.
Conclusion
Back pain is a common issue, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored or treated lightly. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s time to consult a Denver back specialist. They know how to find and treat a wide range of back problems and can help you figure out the best way to get better. Don’t wait for your condition to get worse before getting help. Quick action can help you avoid long-term problems and return to pain-free living.