Back pain is incredibly common, with more than 90 percent of Americans dealing with a spinal issue at some point in their life. Because it’s so common, back pain can sometimes be dismissed as not a big deal. However, just because back pain isn’t severe, doesn’t mean it should just be dismissed, because untreated back pain can lead to a number of different issues. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at four issues that can develop if back problems are ignored.
Four Issues That Can Develop If You Don’t Treat Back Pain
Here’s a look at four more severe issues that can develop if you choose to ignore your back pain.
- More Pain – Most commonly, untreated back problems get worse, and that leads to more severe symptoms, including pain. If your daily habits like your activities or posture contributed to the pain, and you continue on as if nothing is wrong, those same habits will only serve to make the pain worse. Treat small problems before they become a major pain.
- High Blood Pressure – Studies have found a link between untreated chronic pain and elevated blood pressure. The systems that help to regulate pain and blood pressure are closely connected, and untreated pain can be hard on your heart health. Hyperactive pain signals can cause the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which consequently causes your pulse and blood pressure to rise.
- Weight Gain – Weight gain and untreated back pain can also go hand in hand. Even though you may convince yourself that back pain is not enough of an issue to have it treated, if it’s causing you to be less active, it could lead to weight gain. If back pain is stopping you from exercising or pursuing the physical activities that you love, you may start to gain weight, and that can cause a number of issues for your overall health.
- Depression and Anxiety – Finally, studies have found that untreated chronic pain has been linked to an increased likelihood of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues, and that really should come as no surprise. Physical pain is draining on your entire body, including your mental and emotional health. Untreated back pain can affect your mood, making you cranky, anxious or even depressed. Talking to your spine specialist about your physical pain can be just as important for your mind as it is your body.
Don’t let your back pain go untreated any longer. For help with your back pain issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
