Pain is the most obvious indication that something is wrong with our body, and one of the most common areas for pain to develop is in our back. More than 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain, but how do you know if this back pain is something that will fade away or an indication of a larger problem that requires medical intervention? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some pain indications that suggest you should set up a meeting with a spine specialist sooner rather than later.
Signs Your Back Pain Requires Medical Attention
If your back pain can be described in any of the following ways, you would be wise to consult with a medical expert.
- Pain Isn’t Getting Better – Pain is almost always worse in the immediate aftermath of trauma and tends to fade over time. If you’re still dealing with the same pain level 24-48 hours after the incident, it’s a sign that your back pain warrants professional help.
- Pain Is Getting Worse – Similarly, if pain actually increases as you get further away from the moment of injury, it’s a clear sign of an issue that needs to be diagnosed by a professional. Oftentimes it means you’re dealing with more than just a strain or a muscle tear.
- Laying Down Doesn’t Help – After a back injury, odds are you just want to lay down and help to protect your spine from stress as pain fades. However, if laying down isn’t helping you find any relief, or pain gets worse when you lay down, you’re going to want to have a doctor figure out what’s going on in your spine.
- Pain Spreads – If pain that originally developed in your spine has now spread to other areas of your body, like your arms or legs, it’s a clear sign that you need medical intervention. Pain that spread is often tied to a nerve issue, and if that nerve compression goes untreated, it can lead to long-term damage.
- Disrupting Everyday Life – Finally, if pain is disrupting or negatively affecting your daily life, it’s time to consult with a spine specialist. Don’t let back pain decrease your quality of life. Whether the pain is monumental or mildly annoying, if it’s impacting your daily life, it’s time to do something about it, because it’s clearly not going to get better on its own.
If any of the above points ring true with your situation, now is the time to sync up with a spine specialist in your area. Dr. Sinicropi has a wealth of experience diagnosing and treating a variety of spinal conditions, and he can help you get to the bottom of your pain. For more information or for help with your back pain issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and his team today at (651) 430-3800.
