You're wondering if the persistent back pain you're feeling is serious enough to warrant seeing an orthopedic back doctor.
Back pain is a common ailment that can be as harmless as a mild headache or eye strain. The majority of people will experience it at one time or another without the need to resort to a specialist doctor.
And then, there are times when it feels like something might be really wrong. The pain is too intense or just won't go away.
Orthopedic doctors know all about musculoskeletal issues and can help rehabilitate back pain.
In this article, we'll see if the back pain you're feeling will just pass on its own or if it's serious enough to go visit an orthopedic doctor. Read on!
Is Your Back Pain Serious?
The vast majority of the time, back pain is benign. However, in some cases, it might indicate a medical condition that requires treatment.
Here are some signs that your back pain is serious:
- Fever
- Blood in urine or stool
- Loss of bladder control
- Weight loss
- Numbness in the legs
- Can't urinate or have a bowel movement
- Balance problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Worsening of the pain despite resting
- Recent trauma
Causes of Intense Back Pain
Severe back pain may be caused by several conditions that usually involve the bones or discs.
Here is a list of these potential conditions:
- Disc herniations
- Fracture
- Bone or disc infections
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Meningitis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Transverse myelitis
- Tumors
- Kidney stones
- Spinal stenosis
- GI ulcers
What Is an Orthopedic Doctor?
If you recognize some of these signs and symptoms in yourself, it's time to consult with an orthopedic doctor. This article from Pipdoc.com gives you a more in-depth perspective on whether you need to see an orthopedic doctor.
Sometimes referred to as orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic doctors focus on treating musculoskeletal issues.
As such, their mission is three-fold. First, they diagnose and treat conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. These conditions include back pain, bone fractures, muscle strains, sprains, tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and so on.
Second, they rehabilitate, meaning they help you regain movement, range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Lastly, they give you strategies to prevent injury in the future or keep chronic conditions from worsening.
It's essential not to wait too long to go see a doctor. The longer you wait, the bigger the risk of being permanently impaired becomes.
Orthopedic Doctors Help Treat Back Pain
While persistent back pain may seem worrisome, rest assured that the vast majority of back pain is benign.
However, if you are feeling some of the signs and symptoms presented here, you might be dealing with something a little more serious.
If you present symptoms other than the back pain, in particular in relation to bladder/bowel, and leg function, it's time to consider consulting with a doctor.
Orthopedic doctors can treat and rehabilitate back pain, as well as help you form good habits. Tell your doctors all your symptoms and conditions, even if they don't seem related to your back pain.
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