Some people assume that if they can ignore or power through physical discomfort, they aren’t all that affected by the condition. Unfortunately, physical pain oftentimes causes some side effects that aren’t always easy to see, and that can lead to more issues down the road. In today’s blog, we spotlight some of the surprising side effects of untreated back pain so that you understand the importance of proactively treating any discomfort you’re experiencing.
The Fallout From Untreated Back Pain
You should not simply try to grit your teeth and power through your spinal discomfort, because left untreated, it can snowball into a number of different issues. Here’s a look at some of the problems that can develop as a result of unaddressed back pain:
- More Pain – We’ll start with the most obvious problem. Ignoring pain doesn’t typically lead to pain relief. If you keep doing the same activities that led to your discomfort in the first place, there’s no reason to think that the issue will heal. In fact, quite the opposite is true. You’re continually stressing your back when it’s in an injured and weakened state. That’s only going to put more strain on the area, which will likely lead to worsening symptoms as time goes on.
- Tougher To Treat – While not on the same level as cancer, the same treatment sentiment holds true for a number of different health conditions, in that the earlier it is detected, the more effective treatment tends to be. If the condition gets more severe as a result of non-treatment, you’re less likely to experience total relief when you eventually do decide to confront the problem. The longer you wait to address a problem, the harder it becomes to treat.
- Weight Gain – One of the most common side effects of chronic back pain is a decrease in activity. It may be smart to attempt to shield the back from overly stressful activity while it heals, but you also need to be mindful of how this lack of normal movement or exercise can impact your body. It’s not uncommon for back pain sufferers to gain weight as their condition makes them more sedentary, and this excess weight only puts more stress on their injured back. It can be a tough cycle to break out of, so be mindful of your calorie intake if back pain has made you less mobile in the short term.
- Mood/Mental Health – There is a significant correlation between physical pain and your mental mindset. Pain can make a person more irritable, moody or even depressed. Know that your physical discomfort is not just a physical issue, it affects your physical, mental and emotional health. You might not see it, but if others have mentioned a change in your demeanor, it could be a side effect of how you’re attempting to cope with your chronic back pain. You owe it to yourself and others to proactively treat your back pain.
- Physical Activity Limitations – Don’t let back pain keep you from pursuing the activities you love. If you’re shying away from activities you once enjoyed because of your back pain, or because you’re afraid of a flare up, you need to consult a specialist. Going through life in fear of your chronic back pain is no way to live. Don’t let back pain keep you on the sidelines. Get back to doing all your favorite activities by confronting the root issue.
- Problems In Other Parts Of Your Body – One final side effect we’ll mention is how chronic back pain can lead to problems in other parts of your body. If chronic pain is impacting how you walk, you may be putting additional stress on your knees or your hips, and that can lead to faster degeneration of these joints. More health issues can arise as your body attempts to protect your back and new areas shoulder more stress. Don’t let pain spread. Contain it and put an end to it once and for all.
To connect with a specialist who can help you avoid all these side effects, or to talk to a doctor about your spinal discomfort, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today at (651) 430-3800.
