You get out of bed and feel a stinging pain. You bend down and there’s a pinching sensation. You stand up after a long day of sitting in an office chair, and the soreness hits you. Lower back pain affects everyone at some point, but when is it time to seek help?
Video: DISC Patient, Jeff
Before seeking treatment at DISC, Jeff suffered from debilitating lower back pain.
While many cases of back pain resolve on their own with conservative treatments, there are times when seeing a spine surgeon is necessary. Understanding when to seek specialized care can make a significant difference in your recovery and long-term spinal health, so we’ve put together a list of symptoms that may indicate it’s time to talk to a professional.
The Lower Back Pain is Persistent
Acute low back pain typically improves within a few weeks with rest, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain and/or anti-inflammatory medications. However, if your pain persists for a few weeks despite these treatments, it's time to consider consulting a spine surgeon. Chronic pain may indicate an underlying issue that requires surgical intervention.
Severe or Progressive Neurological Symptoms Accompany the Back Pain
If you experience severe or progressive neurological symptoms, such as:
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Weakness in the lower extremities
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
The Pain Limits or Restricts Your Daily Activities
When low back pain severely restricts your ability to perform daily activities, work, or enjoy life, it’s crucial to seek help. If conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications fail to provide relief, a spine surgeon can assess the cause of your pain and discuss surgical options that might restore your quality of life.
Imaging Studies Show Structural Abnormalities in Your Back
If imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans reveal structural abnormalities in your spine, such as spinal deformities like scoliosis or kyphosis, significant disc degeneration, spinal instability or fractures, it’s important to consult a spine surgeon. Surgery might be necessary to correct the abnormalities and alleviate pain.
You’re Experiencing Pain After an Injury
Low back pain following a traumatic injury, such as a fall or car accident, warrants immediate evaluation by a spine specialist. Trauma can cause fractures, dislocations, or other severe spinal injuries that may require surgical intervention to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.
Conservative Treatments Have Failed to Provide Relief
Conservative treatments, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, and injections, are often the first line of defense against low back pain. However, if these treatments fail to provide lasting relief, it might be time to consider surgical options. A spine surgeon can discuss minimally invasive procedures and advanced surgical techniques tailored to your condition.
Low back pain can significantly impact your quality of life, and knowing when to see a spine surgeon is crucial for timely and effective treatment. If you experience persistent pain, severe neurological symptoms, debilitating pain, or have structural abnormalities identified through imaging, it's essential to consult a spine surgeon. They can provide a thorough evaluation, discuss potential surgical options, and help you regain a pain-free and active life.
Early intervention and proper medical guidance can make a substantial difference in managing low back pain and preventing long-term complications. If you’re dealing with lower back pain that doesn’t seem to be letting up, schedule a consultation with one of DISC’s expert spine surgeons.
About the author
discmdgroup DISC Sports and Spine Center (DISC) is one of America’s foremost providers of minimally invasive spine procedures and advanced arthroscopic techniques. Our individually picked, highly specialized physicians apply both established and innovative solutions to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate their patients in a one-stop, multi-disciplinary setting. With a wide range of specialists under one roof, the result is an unmatched continuity of care with more efficiency, less stress for the patient, and a zero MRSA infection rate. Read more articles by discmdgroup.