When you experience back pain, knowing when you need to see a spine specialist or if rest and home remedies can suffice can be challenging. Of course, any time you experience severe back pain or suspected spinal cord damage, you should seek emergency care. You can get advice regarding Roswell back surgery and other treatment options.
Some of the other treatment options include:
- Physical therapy: This kind of therapy can help strengthen the muscles around your spine, which can help support your spine and take some of the pressure off of your discs.
- Steroid injections: If your pain is caused by inflammation, a doctor may recommend a steroid injection to help reduce the inflammation and ease your pain.
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications can help to ease your back pain.
- Chiropractic care: A chiropractor can use spinal manipulation to align your spine, which may help to reduce your pain.
- Massage: Massage can help to relax the muscles around your spine and ease your pain.
Signs that you may require back surgery:
Persistent back pain that gets worse
If you have been dealing with back pain for some time and it is consistently getting worse despite your best efforts to manage it, this is a sign that you need to see a spine specialist. The pain may be caused by degenerative disc disease or another issue that can only get worse over time and could potentially be helped with surgery.
Pain that radiates down your legs
Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc pressing on your sciatic nerve. This is called sciatica if you are experiencing pain that radiates down your legs. This type of pain usually worsens when you sit or stand for long periods, making it difficult to walk or sleep. If you are dealing with sciatica, you should see a spine specialist to discuss your treatment options.
Back pain that interferes with daily activities
Suppose your back pain interferes with your ability to work, exercise, or even do everyday activities like laundry or grocery shopping. While it is normal to have some discomfort when performing certain activities, pain that limits your mobility is not normal and indicates a more severe problem. In that case, this is a sign that you need to seek medical help.
Pain that is not relieved by medication or rest
If you are taking over-the-counter or prescription medications for your back pain and they are not providing relief, this is another sign that you need to see a spine specialist. It is possible that you need a different type or higher dosage of medication, or you may require a more invasive treatment like back surgery.
Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your extremities
If you are experiencing numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs, this could be a sign of nerve damage. This condition requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms could be caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, both of which may require back surgery to correct.
If you are experiencing any of the above signs, you need to see your spine specialist at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center. You can get more information on diagnosis and the right treatment plan.
